Though UNM has no formal policy regarding teachers dating students, a University attorney says campus officials are addressing the issue.
Melanie Baise, assistant university counsel, said UNM recognizes the power differential between the student and teacher and that because students look up to teachers, they can be vulnerable.
Professors at UNM are advised to not give after school instruction or tutoring to students, therefore avoiding the potential for improper relationships.
Monica Stephens, a UNM junior, said she agrees with the position that the University has taken but does not see why a cut and dry policy is not in place.
"I don't think I've ever known anyone that would actually date their teacher," Stephens said. "That's just not right. For most students, there's too much of an age difference."
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She said she thinks most students would only date a teacher if they thought it would help their grade.
"In other words, it's not worth it," Stephens said.
If the relationship between the student and teacher ends bitterly and has gone far enough, the student may have grounds to call sexual harassment on the teacher, Baise said.
She added that there haven't been any reported cases at UNM, but that she is aware of "cases of the ex" at other universities.
Freshman Elaine Lovato told a happier story about student teacher relationships.
"My uncle, who used to be a professor at UCLA, fell in love with one of his students," Lovato said. "She was closer to his age than the rest of the students, of course. But it got harder and harder for them to keep it a secret."
She said that, in her opinion, the decision was a bad one on her uncle's part.
"It was wrong for my uncle to date one of his students," Lovato said. "I don't agree with that at all. What if someone had found out? He would have lost his job. It was too risky. I am glad that they made the right decision and stopped before anyone found out, but they shouldn't have started."
Dating a student or teacher or professor in any school is frowned upon, Baise said.
"Since there is a chance for embarrassment for the student and teacher involved and the school, it is just not a good idea," she said.
