Original Date: 6/24/2026
Policy Contact: Vice President of Human Resources
Purpose
The following procedures are established to implement Policy 4460: Consensual, Romantic or Sexual Relationships Between Faculty, Staff, and/or Students.
Procedures
Employees must disclose romantic or sexual relationships to Human Resources (HR) if:
- One employee has direct or indirect authority over another employee or student
- The relationship could create a perceived or actual conflict of interest
- There is a risk of favoritism, retaliation, or disruption to the workplace, classroom, or other educational program
Employees are required to disclose current romantic or sexual relationships that are ongoing within 30 days of the effective date of this policy. Disclosures of new romantic or sexual relationships should be made to the employee’s HR Business Partner as soon as reasonably possible. The initial responsibility to disclose is the obligation of the employee who holds an academic, professional, or other authority over the other person in the consensual relationship. HR will assess the situation to determine next steps.
The college will take necessary steps to address and remove any potential or perceived conflict of interest, including consideration of and possible implementation of a written management plan. A written management plan is intended to remove any supervisory, teaching, evaluation, advising, coaching, or counseling responsibilities between the parties previously or currently involved in a romantic and/or sexual relationship. Management plans should, to the extent possible, avoid negative impacts on the student/subordinate. Adjustments are not guaranteed, and alternatives may not be available.
The written plan must address the actual or potential conflicts of interest, power imbalances, and other issues that may arise. The plan may:
- Change reporting lines;
- Adjust responsibilities (including teaching and related assignments); and/or
- Require other actions that provide for the protection of the individual and college interests.
The written plan will be placed in the employee’s personnel file in Human Resources.
The college reserves the right to revisit a management plan periodically. A management plan may be declined by the College or discontinued at any time it is determined that the relationship cannot be managed without harm/negative impact to individuals or the functioning of the College. If the management plan is declined or discontinued, the employee must refrain from participating in the relationship. Failure to refrain from the relationship would be considered a violation of this policy, and the individual may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Supervisors are required to promptly report possible violations of this policy to HR. Others are strongly encouraged to report possible violations to HR. HR will consult with the office of Title IX on matters implicating 1447 Sex Discrimination. If, during any investigation, it becomes apparent that a violation of the policy 1447 Sex Discrimination may have occurred, Title IX and HR have the authority to conduct a joint investigation or may refer the potential violation of this policy to HR for further investigation and follow up.
Disclosure of a potential conflict does not preclude the college from taking appropriate measures to address any behavior that may have occurred before or after the disclosure. Alleged violations of this policy, including an employee’s failure to promptly disclose their engagement in a relationship that is covered by this policy, are handled in accordance with the applicable employee investigation and disciplinary procedures and in accordance with any relevant collective bargaining agreements, and college policies and procedures.
Students in positions of professional or academic authority who violate this policy may be subject to sanctions for failure to comply with college directives under policy 2050 Student Conduct Code (WAC 132H-126).
Relevant Laws and Other Resources
- 1440 Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation
- 1447 Sex Discrimination
- 1450 General Complaints
- 2050 Student Conduct Code (WAC 132H-126)
Revision History
Original 6/24/2026
Approved By
President’s Cabinet
Last Updated July 13, 2026