From complicated apps to ineffective pick-up lines, dating can feel demanding and difficult. Yet, specific employees at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) carry more responsibility with their romantic decisions.
The Consensual Amorous Relationship Policy dictates certain aspects of faculty, staff and student relations. Namely, resident advisors (RAs) are prohibited from dating their building residents, and graduate assistants (GAs) are prohibited from dating their students.
According to the Policy Statement and Purpose, this policy is rooted in professionalism and equality. Relationships present a conflict of interest if one party has “evaluative, supervising, or decision-making” authority over the other, cited in the Consensual Amorous Relationship Policy.
Dr. Mary-Jon Ludy, the associate dean of the graduate college, expanded more on the policy’s influence over GAs.
“The purpose is to protect the learning and working environment. As an institution, this means making sure everyone is treated fairly and feels comfortable. Since graduate assistants sometimes teach, grade or supervise students, the policy is there to prevent situations where someone might feel pressured or where things could seem unfair,” Ludy explained.
However, Ludy shares an important note: GAs may have a consensual relationship with an undergraduate student “as long as the GA does not teach, grade, supervise or evaluate that student in any way.”
If a GA is already in a relationship and their partner later enrolls in their class or lab, the GA is responsible for making their supervisor or graduate program coordinator aware. Then, duties can be appropriately adjusted for the circumstances.
“If the GA has no academic or supervisory role with the person they are dating, disclosure is not required,” Ludy continued.
Still, if appropriate steps are not taken, disciplinary action can be enforced.
“This can include changing or removing certain duties, loss of the assistantship or other steps that follow the Student Code of Conduct. The university reviews each situation individually based on the circumstances,” Ludy elaborated.
Many of these responsibilities and policies remain for RAs.
A resident advisor must disclose a relationship in which they have authority over their partner, essentially any resident in their building. RAs are expected to inform their Hall Director, and similarly, actions may be taken to prevent any issues.
“The goal is to remove the conflict of interest, not to interfere in the relationship,” Ludy said.
Based on the policy’s purpose, BGSU intends to promote a productive and fair learning environment. “Clear boundaries help create a learning environment where everyone feels respected and supported,” Ludy said.
