Is it really okay to date your professor during a master’s program?

[rini02]

So, I have this friend of mine who's the same age as me (23), and like me, she's also doing her Master's.
They have a young, unmarried professor (40/41) (He's also tall and handsome and has a good personality according to her). So, one fine day, her friends started shipping her with him as a joke, but they kept teasing even though he was in the class, and according to her, he might have heard.
And after that day, she somehow starts developing feelings for him, and their dynamics have suddenly started to shift. Like a lot of stuff happened, which she shared with us (I can't remember the details, so I can't elaborate on those).
She thinks he might be pitying her because of that day, but our friend has a different opinion; she thinks he might also have a soft spot for her, and even my opinion is also a bit divided.

She had been pestering us to give our opinions, so I am asking you guys...
What do you guys think?

[SueShe]

It is really NOT okay to date a professor because of a number of reasons.

There will definitely be favoritism in assigning grades and when the dean of the school finds out, the professor is out of a job, not just with that school but he is going to have a permanent record of inappropriate behavior with female students. His career is probably ending right then.

The student that has inappropriate relationships with a professor will have her test cancelled and may have to redo the entire semester again.

Is that really worth it just because she can't keep her hormones under control? Definitely not.

[fonduegirl]

Even if he remains impartial, that's not how the authorities would see it

[SueShe]

@fonduegirl If words comes out that you are dating a professor, gossip will take over and that is no longer going to be seen as impartial by peers because they will put one and one together.

[QuineJessica]

Personally for me no , but for some people yes

[Iron_Man]

No they can get in trouble they’ll think the administration that they’re giving you good grades because they’re dating you. it’s not good to mix business with pleasure at college because I talked to a professor before and he can get in trouble it’s not like dating your boss that’s different because they hand out grades even though you’re old enough it’s OK legally but they hand out grades and they can get fired the professor

[Iron_Man]

Well, you’re from India. I don’t know how things are working in India I’m from the USA

[rini02]

Well, it isn't okay here as well...
But I don't think the professor would get fired here... well I don't know...
Also, if they wanna date, they can simply wait for a year...

[Iron_Man]

My brother’s friend was the professor at the University of Miami it’s a very popular college and well-known in Miami he told my brother the storys how the girls would really like him and the professor said it was really tempting, but he didn’t do it because he said he could’ve been fired and on the news

[Iron_Man]

Thank you for the award. I appreciate it.

[rini02]

You're welcome...

[Summeroflove]

I mean it’s the intentions of the relationship that feel weird. But they’re adults if it’s breaking rules or laws in your area then report it. Not to say professors shouldn’t be able to have relationships but the dynamic is off

[ammar12343]

That’s wildly unprofessional. Professors can date after but not while she’s actively participating in the cohort. That’s violating huge conflict of interest. If he’s not tenure yet, that’s wild to throw your entire professional career after spending a decade of studying out the door for being impatient. How desperate can you get.

[WindAtMyBack]

My opinion is that there is nothing wrong with anyone dating, no matter what their positions are. But society does not have the same opinion as me. The university might not either.

If she is interested in him, I'd say go for it. He will know what the university policies are. If nothing else, wait until the end of the semester so there is no suspicion that sleeping with the prof affected her grade.

[bowenw]

The university may forbid professors from dating students. I suggest she tries to become friends with him at school for now, but not date until after she graduates or is no longer in any of his classes, nor will be going forward.

[Spencer10]

Honestly I do not think its a good idea... way too many landmines to blow up. Wait till you graduate or have no ther dealings with him.

[fonduegirl]

He could fail her after break up lmao

[Nikki1989]

Of course not. How is this even a question?

[RHK36]

Are you there to hook up or study? It's pretty obvious what the right thing to do is unless your desperate. Can literally look anywhere else, why be sloppy with it

[nik_the_cur]

@rini02 Sounds like this friend of your who is the same age as you, also looks like you?

[rini02]

Well...😅

[nik_the_cur]

@rini02 is the professor attractive? I'm only asking for a friend 😅

[rini02]

Definitely (that's what my friend said)... 😅

[nik_the_cur]

@rini02 well tell your friend that if she is careful not to make it awkward that it can work. I've seen it work too. But it can be challenging

[rini02]

Thanks for the advice! I'll surely tell her...

[Anonymous]

I think he likes her and she likes him, but it’s a really bad idea. I think that’s unethical and he could get fired.

[MrChinaski]

Fine with me if they are shagging, so long as he isn't also grading.

[LiamS95]

He could get in major trouble for that. Not the best of ideas.

[Kelly6]

@rini02 it all depends on where you live, culture and laws

[In_Trance]

It's definitely not okay

[fonduegirl]

Bad idea. University's gonna kick his ass

[robocop666]

dont fuck at work

[Tungi]

Not okay