2.01 - Academic Nepotism Policy

Policy Number - 2.01

Approved: 11/18/2025

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to avoid favoritism and minimize the appearance of or potential for
favoritism, and conflicts of interest in academic settings.

Definition

Relative is defined as those persons related within the third degree by marriage or blood and shall include a legally recognized spouse, child, parent, legal guardian, grandchild, grandparent, sister, brother, great grandchild, great grandparent, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, or cousin. In addition, any other individual related by blood or affinity whose close association with the employee is the equivalent of a family relationship.

Policy Statement

Students may not enroll in any credit-based courses, labs or studios taught or directly supervised by a relative. In the event a required course is only offered by a relative:

1. The faculty member must notify the dean of the academic unit offering the course.The dean will attempt to place the student in a section taught by a different instructorin the same or subsequent term.
2. If no alternate instructor is available, the dean will implement a process to ensure thestudent is evaluated equitably and fairly. This may include:
   • Independent review of graded work by another qualified faculty member;
   • Oversight of the grading process by the dean or a designee; or
   • Alternate assessment arrangements where appropriate.

Disclosure

Faculty or students must disclose any such relationships as soon as they arise. The academic
dean, in consultation with the Vice President of Academic Affairs, will assist in resolving
conflicts and ensuring compliance with this policy.

Enforcement

Failure to disclose a relative relationship in an instructional context may result in disciplinary
action consistent with institutional policies.