College is a time of exploration and learning. It's an opportunity for young adults to gain expertise in their chosen field – and also for them to build important professional and social skills.

As a professor charged with mentoring college students, you understand that it's important that graduates are able to engage socially with colleagues and clients. To that end, you may, like many of your peers before you, have invited your students to attend dinner parties or other social gatherings at your home. It's a way to provide a more casual setting for students, especially the most promising students, to learn, converse, and network with people who can help guide their careers in the future.

But what happens when your college or university takes issue with such gatherings?

High Profile Parties

In 2019, Yale Law Professor and “Tiger Mom,” Amy Chua, was reprimanded by the university for “drinking and socializing with her students outside of class.” As a consequence, she was removed from leading a small group of first-year students at the prestigious school, despite the fact that she denies any misconduct that took place.

The investigation into Chua's conduct was controversial. Many students appreciated the ability to socialize with high-profile attorneys, judges, and other legal experts who might help them get a job once they earned a degree. Others, generally the students who were not included on the invite list, felt it was inappropriate – and was giving already privileged students an additional leg up.

Chua is far from the only professor to be chastised by their institution for socializing with students. While some say any sort of partying with students is inappropriate, others argue it gives college learners the opportunity to learn important skills – and make the kind of connections that can help them as they continue along their career path.

Is It Misconduct?

If you have been accused of professional misconduct for hosting parties or other social gatherings for students, it's important you take the matter seriously. You likely signed a Code of Conduct when you started working for your college or university. If so, it outlined exactly what the institution expects of you when it comes to working with students – including policies governing socialization and fraternization.

But while there may not be any direct guidance on parties or social events, especially those meant to help your students gain those social and networking skills for their future careers, too often, the illusion of impropriety can lead the university to take a stand. Students who misunderstand the nature of these events – or, perhaps, feel left out of these sorts of social events may also make a complaint. In either case, it is important you address such allegations immediately – and you should engage experienced representation to help you deal with the complaint, the consequent investigation, and any potential fallout.

You've worked hard to get to where you are. If you are facing investigation or dismissal because of parties or other social events, Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Team will fight for you every step of the way to make sure your reputation – and your career – are protected. Contact Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Team to discuss your case at (888) 535-3686 or online today.