This policy addresses consensual romantic or sexual relationships between certain individuals in the Ringling College of Art and Design community. Allegations of unwelcome sexual conduct are addressed in the College’s Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy.
Prohibited Relationships
For the purposes of the Consensual Relationships Policy, the following relationships are prohibited (collectively, “Prohibited Relationships”):
Relationships Between Affiliated Individuals and Students: All Affiliated Individuals are prohibited from initiating, engaging in, or attempting to engage in a Relationship with any PreCollege or degree-seeking student.
An Affiliated Individual involved in a Relationship with a student which began prior to their engagement with the College or implementation of this policy is exempt from this prohibition, as is an employee whose spouse or domestic partner is a student. However, the relationship must be disclosed as outlined in the Disclosures section below so that appropriate action, such as changing the reporting or grading structure, can be taken.
Relationships Between Individuals in a Supervisory Relationship. All Affiliated Individuals and Student-Staff are prohibited from engaging in Relationships with anyone under their direct supervision or whom they officially evaluate or mentor. They are further prohibited from officially supervising, evaluating, or mentoring anyone with whom they have had a Relationship in the past.
If a Prohibited Relationship develops or exists, the Prohibited Relationship may be disclosed by anyone, but certain individuals are mandatory reporters. To wit, a Prohibited Relationship must be disclosed by the supervisor, evaluator, or mentor as outlined in the Disclosures section below, so that appropriate action, such as changing the reporting structure, can be taken.
Other Relationships
Relationships other than those defined above as Prohibited Relationships may require attention to differential power dynamics. Sexual and dating relationships in which there is a power differential, even when the differential does not fall into one of the above defined categories as a Prohibited Relationship, may still raise legal or ethical issues (e.g., conflict of interest, abuse of authority, favoritism, and unfair treatment). For this reason, even Relationships that are not officially supervisory or mentoring in nature may require extra sensitivity.
In particular, even though Student-Staff may not think of themselves as being in a position of authority over other students, they should recognize, that their responsibilities, experience, role in policy enforcement, or access to tools, equipment, and studio time may result in their being viewed as having more power in a relationship.
If anyone believes this Policy may apply to a Relationship they are aware of or part of, they are encouraged to seek guidance from the Assistant Vice President and Director of Human Resources, the Title IX Coordinator, or one of the Deputy Title IX Coordinators.
Disclosures
All disclosures of Prohibited Relationships and reports of concerns about Other Relationships should be made as follows.
For relationships involving Affiliated Individuals and students:
Darren Mathews
Assistant Vice President and Director of Human Resources
2700 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34234-2859
Phone: 941.309.4058
Email: dmathews@ringling.edu
The Assistant Vice President and Director of Human Resources, at their discretion, may inform the Title IX Coordinator, the appropriate supervisor (for matters involving staff and/or student-staff), or the appropriate Senior Officer about a disclosed Relationship.
For relationships involving students and Student-Staff:
Lauren Frasser
Title IX Coordinator
2700 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34234-2859
Phone: 941.309.4035
Email: lfrasser@ringling.edu
Disclosures of Other Relationships will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
Violations of the Consensual Relationships Policy
The College takes allegations of violations of the Consensual Relationships Policy seriously. Anyone found to have engaged in a Prohibited Relationship under the Consensual Relationships Policy or found to have failed to disclose a Prohibited Relationship as required by the Consensual Relationships Policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion or separation from the College in accordance with applicable disciplinary procedures.
The Assistant Vice President and Director of Human Resources is responsible for responding to violations of the Consensual Relationships Policy.
Glossary of Terms
For the purposes of the Consensual Relationships Policy, the following terms and definitions apply:
Affiliated Individuals: Employees, trustees, and vendors, as defined in this glossary.
Employee: Faculty member (full-time, part-time, or adjunct; regular or visiting) or staff member (exempt or non-exempt; full-time or part-time; regular, casual, or temporary).
Prohibited Relationships: Relationships Between Affiliated Individuals and students; and Relationships between Affiliated Individuals in a supervisory relationship with Student-Staff.
Relationship: A sexual or romantic relationship, inclusive of single romantic date or sexual encounter.
Student-Staff: Undergraduate students enrolled in the College who are employed by the College, (e.g., resident assistant, teaching assistant, tutors).
Trustees: Member or Honorary Life Member of the Board of Trustees.
Vendors: Organizations or individuals engaged in a contractual relationship with the College to execute a specific function such as food service, custodial service, other services or to provide temporary staffing services.