Not knowing what to do, a student confides in a female faculty member, stating that she is extremely uncomfortable with the advances of one of her professors. Uneasy about discussing the matter with her colleague or the dean, the professor tells the student she can be counted on to lend a sympathetic ear, but otherwise makes no attempt to report. In the hospital hallway, a male doctor and a male student health care professional once again discuss the physical attractiveness of a female patient. The female student health care professional feels embarrassed and excluded by the conversation. She suspects that she has also been the topic of a similar conversation.
Professionalism is fostered by an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect.
Actions of faculty members and students that harm this atmosphere undermine professionalism and hinder fulfillment of the University's educational mission. Trust and respect are diminished when those in positions of authority abuse or appear to abuse their power. Those who abuse their power in such a context violate their duty to the University community. Faculty members exercise power over students, whether in giving them praise or criticism, evaluating them, making recommendations for their further studies or their future employment, or conferring any other benefits on them. All amorous or sexual relationships between faculty members and students are unacceptable when the faculty member has any professional responsibility for the student.