2.5 Employing Relatives

The College permits the employment of qualified relatives of employees as long as such employment does not, in the opinion of the College, create actual or perceived conflicts of interest. For purposes of this policy, “relative” is a spouse, registered domestic partner, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, first cousin, or corresponding in-law or “step” relation. The College will exercise sound judgment in the placement of related employees in accordance with the following guidelines:

Individuals who are related by blood, marriage, or registered domestic partnership are permitted to work at the College, provided no direct reporting or supervisory/ management relationship exists. That is, no employee is permitted to work within the “chain of command” of a relative such that one relative’s work responsibilities, salary, or career progress could be influenced by the other relative.

No relatives are permitted to work in the same department or in any other positions in which the College believes an inherent conflict of interest may exist. Employees who marry (or enter into a registered domestic partnership) while employed are treated in accordance with these guidelines. That is, if, in the opinion of the College, a conflict or an apparent conflict arises as a result of the marriage/partnership, one of the employees will be transferred at the earliest practicable time.

In addition, the College recognizes that at times, employees and their “close friends” or “significant others” may be assigned to positions that create a coworker or supervisor subordinate relationship. The College will, in its discretion, exercise sound judgment with respect to the placement of employees in these situations in order to avoid the creation of a conflict or the appearance of a conflict of interest, avoid favoritism or the appearance of favoritism, and decrease the likelihood of sexual harassment in the workplace.

Approved May 12, 2009