Professionalism is fostered by an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect.
Trust and respect are diminished when those in positions of authority abuse that authority or place themselves in a situation of perceived or actual conflict of interest. A conflict of interest is created when an individual evaluates or supervises another individual with whom he or she has an amorous or sexual relationship. Such relationships, even when consensual, may be exploitative, and they imperil the integrity of the work or educational environment. They also may lead to charges of sexual harassment. Thus, the University discourages amorous or sexual relationships between employees and students.