D. Consensual Sexual Relationships Involving Employees

1. Employee Relationships with Students. The personal relationships that a student develops with College employees play a fundamental role in the student’s educational experience at Olin. Given the inherent authority and power dynamic employees may have over students, a sexual or romantic relationship between a student and an employee can easily raise concerns about sexual harassment or intimidation. In light of these considerations and given that an employee might be called upon to teach, advise, evaluate, or supervise any student, Olin employees should be aware that Olin prohibits employees from engaging in sexual or romantic relations, even if consensual, with any current Olin student. Any employee engaging in sexual or romantic relations with a current student, even if consensual, may be found in violation of Olin’s Sexual Misconduct Policy. 
2. Relationships between Supervisory Employees and Others. Romantic relationships that might be appropriate in other circumstances raise concerns when they occur between supervisors and individuals whom they supervise. Such relationships are fundamentally asymmetric and may raise concerns about validity of consent, conflict of interest, and fair treatment. In addition, such relationships may create the perception of inappropriate or inequitable professional advantage or favoritism that can adversely impact the working or learning environment and raise doubts about the integrity of work performed. Olin employees should be aware that romantic involvement with any employee over whom they have direct supervisory responsibility, even if consensual, is prohibited by this policy. Even when both parties have initially consented to such a relationship, it is the supervisor who, by virtue of their supervisory responsibility, will be held accountable for the unprofessional relationship or abuse of authority. The Title IX Coordinator, together with the Provost and Dean of Faculty with respect to faculty members, or the Director of Human Resources with respect to other employees will make exceptions to this prohibition in appropriate circumstances, with implementation of any necessary measures to avoid conflicts or the appearance of conflicts of interest.