Consensual Relationships
Policy
Because of the potential for abuse or the appearance of abuse and the inherent differential in authority, the University prohibits any faculty member or employee of the University from engaging in a romantic and/or sexual relationship or in romantic and/or sexual conduct with any student currently enrolled as an undergraduate at Notre Dame.
Furthermore, because of the potential for abuse or the appearance of abuse and the inherent differential in authority between graduate students and their educators, counselors, and others holding positions of authority over them, the University prohibits any member of the University community from engaging in a romantic and/or sexual relationship or in romantic and/or sexual conduct with any graduate student whom he or she educates, counsels, coaches, supervises or evaluates in any way.
Likewise, because of the potential for abuse or the appearance of abuse and the inherent differential in authority, the University prohibits any member of the University community from engaging in a romantic and/or sexual relationship or in romantic and/or sexual conduct with any employee whom that person supervises or evaluates in any way.
Note: "Employee" as used in this provision does not include any student employees except for those who teach undergraduate students.
Exceptions to any of these prohibitions will be considered by the Office of the Provost or the Office of Human Resources on a limited, case-by-base basis. If you have any questions about the application or effect of this policy to an existing or potential relationship, please ask your supervisor and/or member of the Office of the Provost or the Office of Human Resources.
In keeping with this University policy, if charges of sexual harassment are made, the existence of a consensual relationship in any of the contexts stated above shall not be a defense in any proceeding brought by the Office of Residence Life and Housing, Office of the Provost, or Office of Human Resources.
Individuals who violate this provision are subject to the range of discipline listed in the sexual harassment policy under the appropriate "Resolution" section.
This policy is intended to be an addition to existing University rules and regulations and does not alter or modify any existing University rule or regulation.