The well-being of the learning and teaching community at Carleton College depends upon the existence of a relationship of trust, respect, and fairness between the faculty and the students. Romantic and/or sexual relations, even if consensual, between faculty members and their students (those whom they currently teach, advise, supervise, coach, or evaluate in any way) violate the integrity of the student/teacher relationship as described above. Such relations are therefore prohibited by the College and constitute grounds for disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

Because any romantic and/or sexual relationship between a faculty member and a student has the potential to jeopardize the quality of the academic or living environment of the community, the College strongly discourages such relations even if the faculty member does not currently hold a position of authority over the student. The College will therefore take appropriate disciplinary action (up to and including dismissal) should such a relationship be found to undermine the trust, respect, and fairness that are central to the success of Carleton's educational mission.

Adopted by the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees June 20, 2002.