Policy Statement and Reason
For the purpose of this policy, employees include Massachusetts and California faculty only. All provisions of this policy apply, except that for employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement, this policy does not create any benefits not expressly provided by that collective bargaining agreement and if there are inconsistencies between this policy and the collective bargaining agreement, the terms of the collective bargaining agreement will govern.
Emerson College is committed to employment and advancement on qualifications and merit and does not discriminate in favor of or in opposition to the employment of family members of or others in a relationship with current faculty or staff employees (“other relationships”). The College is equally committed to maintaining a work environment which is free from actual conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest, and familial or relationship conflicts that negatively affects the working environment. Therefore, the purpose of this policy is to avoid the potential for or appearance of favoritism and conflicts of interest, or interpersonal conflict related to the employment of family members or employment of those in certain other relationships.
Policy Guidelines
Eligibility
This policy applies to all faculty.
Definitions
Family member
For the purpose of this policy, “family members” include:
- parents, stepparents, in-laws, and grandparents
- spouses, spousal equivalents, and life partners
- children (including foster children and wards)
- siblings and siblings in-law
- aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews
Other Relationships
For the purpose of this policy, “Other Relationships” include:
- dating/romantic relationships
- former spouses and romantic partners
- former dating relationships (reviewed on a case-by-case basis)
- members of the same household, including roommates
Positions of Influence
For the purpose of this policy, positions of influence are when faculty and staff employees are in a position to significantly influence employment-related decisions relating to a family member or person in an Other Relationship even when there is no reporting relationship (e.g., search committee chairs, research or budgetary oversight, internal investigations).
Managerial Relationship and/or Direct Reports
It is the policy of the College that candidates for employment, transfer, promotion, etc. may not work directly for or be managed by a family member or those in Other Relationships with the candidate. This policy also applies to situations where the objectivity of hiring managers, or those in the position to significantly influence employment decisions (Positions of Influence), could be compromised by family members or Other Relationships or may be perceived as such by employees.
Employment-Related Decisions and Positions of Influence
At times, faculty may be in positions to influence employment-related decisions of a family member or someone in an Other Relationship outside of any reporting relationships. In these situations, faculty must recuse themselves and/or refrain from trying to influence the outcome of employment-related matters of family members or those with whom they have Other Relationships.
When potential for significant influence exists, Human Resources in collaboration with the Dean and/or the Provost or Vice Presidents and others as appropriate, will implement plans to mitigate the potential for real or perceived conflicts of interest or loyalty.
Grandfathered Relationships
As of the effective date of this policy, the College will grandfather relationships, of which it is aware, that may violate this policy. However, the College reserves the right to revisit these relationships with the parties involved. If the College identifies potential conflicts of interest, the College may work to mitigate concerns.
Prospective Employment-related Decisions
Employment authorities and those in position of influence must consult with Human Resources and the Dean and/or the Provost, or Vice Presidents and others as appropriate, before taking employment action (hiring, terminating, transferring, promoting, departmental reorganizing, etc.) that could result in a direct reporting relationship with a family member (or other relationship) or result in the faculty member having significant influence over employment-related matters of a family member or those with whom they are in an Other Relationship.
Disclosures
Those with employment authority or in positions of influence must consult with Human Resources and the Dean and/or the Provost, Vice Presidents and others as appropriate, as soon as they become aware of any existing situations in which employees (staff and/or faculty) are involved in supervising or being consulted in employment-related decisions involving family members or Other Relationships. Human Resources, in consultation with the department leadership, will help to identify appropriate options in the individual case.
Confidentiality
The College will not discuss employment related matters of one family member with another family member (or person in an Other Relationship) except when necessary to resolve potential violations of this policy, when required under the terms of an applicable Collective Bargaining agreement, or when required by law.
Other Information
Related Policies
Responsible Officer:
The Provost is responsible for this policy.
Key Offices to Contact
Please contact Human Resources or the Provost Office for further information regarding this policy and its implementation.
Links to Procedures or Forms
Not applicable.
The contents of this policy are informational only and are not conditions of employment. This policy does not create any contractual obligations or alter the at-will employment of the College’s at-will employees. Emerson College reserves the right to modify, revoke, suspend, terminate or change any and all policies and procedures at any time, with or without notice, as consistent with state and federal law.
