This study describes an empirically derived framework for understanding issues and contexts in which difficult interpersonal events, grounded in identity differences, occur between and among college faculty and students. Interviews with 34 student affairs professionals on 11 college campuses generated 153 student stories of uncomfortable interpersonal situations involving faculty members. Using a grounded theory approach, we classified these incidents into descriptive categories, providing insight into diversity issues between faculty and students. Implications are drawn for improving faculty member's ability to recognize and respond to these situations.