What's the policy at your college on student-professor "intimate" relationships?
I've taken a position at a local junior college as an art professor and start this June. One issue I could see coming up: My children's former au pair, Krystka, and I have had what could be termed an emotional relationship -- and it has neared the point of becoming physical -- and she is an American Studies student at this JC as well as on work visa from her native Poland, as she's still under contract, but living in my soon-to-be-ex-wife's residence. Are intimate relationships with students ever allowed? Of course, she shouldn't take any of my courses, though she has expressed an interest in modeling for one of my Life Forms classes. To celebrate my arrival on campus, earlier this year, the art department had held a special gallery exhibit and reception of my work. Krystka attended, and, though just 20, did drink some wine and was on my arm much of the night. One old professor commented that she "looked like a wife." What is your campus student-professor relationship policy? Or even if there isn't a legal issue -- I can't find much in the faculty handbook -- is there an ethical issue that could affect my future tenure? But this would be a "pre-existing relationship" -- it began BEFORE I was hired.
Higher Education (University +) - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Not a good idea I think. It's unprofessional, and other professors would talk. Teacher-student relationships are always rocky and likely to end up bad. Now if Krystka was already graduated from the college, then there's probably nothing wrong with this relationship.
2 :
An absolute no go zone. Your teaching ethics are skewed if you even have to ask this question. A person in authority should know better and not use their position to gain access into student's panties. Krystka is now a student at your college she should be treated as such. It would be inappropriate to engage with her in any other way than prof. and student while she is studying at the college or you are teaching there, irrespective of whether she takes your class or not.
3 :
Naughty, naughty. You know the answer to this one, you shouldn't need to ask!! Your searching for our approval here, aren't you?? You won't get mine, sorry.
4 :
Intimate professor/student relationships are generally frowned upon, but you would have to actually ask your HR department about it if the handbook is 'unclear'. Nice that you let an underage girl drink at a school sponsored function, though. I wonder how thrilled your superiors would be about that - no matter that she 'looked like a wife', she's still not of legal drinking age in this country.
5 :
I don't think there's anything wrong with a professor dating a student in college, especially when the student would not be in one of your classes. It's not the same as in high school where it would be unethical as well as a possible criminal offense. If you're in doubt as to whether it could jeopardize your teaching position, check with the dean's office or the appropriate office. Did you receive any code of ethics or such handbook when you took the position? How long until Krystka turns 21 so she can drink legally?
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