East Carolina University Faculty Manual

APPENDIX U.

POLICY ON IMPROPER RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN STUDENTS AND FACULTY

East Carolina University does not condone amorous relationships between students and employees. Members of the University community should avoid such liaisons, which can harm affected students and damage the integrity of the academic enterprise. Further, sexual relationships between unmarried persons can result in criminal liability. In two types of situations, University prohibition and punishment of amorous relationships is deemed necessary: (1) When the employee is responsible for evaluating or supervising the affected student. (2) When the student is a minor, as defined by North Carolina law. The following policies shall apply to all faculty and students of the University.

A. Prohibited Conduct

1. It is misconduct, subject to disciplinary action, for a University employee, incident to any instructional, research, administrative or other University employment responsibility or authority, to evaluate or supervise any enrolled student of the institution with whom he or she has an amorous relationship or to whom he or she is related by blood, law or marriage.

2. It is misconduct, subject to disciplinary action, for a University employee to engage in sexual activity with any enrolled student of the institution, other than his or her spouse, who is a minor below the age of 18 years.