Protection and Presence of Minors on Campus

Date of Adoption

July 1, 2010

Effective Date of Last Review

August 1, 2026

Date of Last Review

September 2025

Date of Next Review

September 2032

Custodian of Policy

Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management

Policy

Protection and Presence of Minors on Campus- Policy.pdf

The purpose of this policy is to describe requirements placed on administrators, faculty, staff, students, volunteers, and others working with minors to ensure their protection and fulfill our obligations as mandated by law to provide the best possible experience for any minor visiting our campus. This policy outlines the circumstances under which it is appropriate for minors to be present on the Minnesota State University Mankato campus, or at additional University locations. The policy is intended to foster respect for the needs of all parties impacted by the presence of minors on campus, in the classroom, or in the workplace.

Minors are permitted to use open access areas on the Mankato campus or at additional University locations as long as they meet the behavioral expectations defined in the Statement of Student Responsibilities.
Minors are encouraged to attend university-sponsored events intended for minors and/or families or intended for community participation as long as they meet the behavioral expectations defined in the Statement of Student Responsibilities and any additional expectations established for the program.

The leadership of the University is responsible for this policy with departmental leadership responsible for ensuring their programs and activities involving minors are compliant with this policy. Any questions regarding clarification of this policy should be directed to the Director of Security or the Director of Environmental Health, Safety & Risk Management.

University sponsored programs that must comply with this policy include:

  • Any planned event or series of events, activities, or educational experiences that is intended for minors (under the age of 18) as the primary participants and offered by University faculty or staff, academic or administrative units of the University. Examples include, but are not limited to, academic clinics, sport andrecreational camps, 4H, conferences, volunteer experiences in laboratories or offices, internships, employment and/or participating on research teams. 
  • Activities offered/sponsored by an academic or administrative unit of the University and conducted on grounds or under the authority of the University at non-University locations; and
  • Activities where staff are responsible for supervisory control of participants that include minors during the activity.

This policy does not apply to:

  • Activities designed for students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate courses (including PSEO students).
  • Activities that are part of the admissions and enrollment process, including undergraduate orientation.
  • Activities that are open to the general public where minors are only incidentally present, generally with an adult. Typical examples are public lectures, athletic events, theaters; and
  • One-time informational interviews or tours with parents/guardians. Faculty and other teaching personnel who only interact with minors who are registered students in credit-bearing courses are not required to get a background check and training, unless a background check is otherwise required for another reason.

Camps and Other Scheduled Events

Registration

Program leaders are required to register the program with University Security, whether in-person, virtual, or hybrid at least two weeks prior to the start of the event and all participants must be registered before registration for the camp opens. The purpose of registration is for each program to confirm it has addressed safety of minors in its planning and complied with the requirements of this policy. For units that regularly conduct programs for minors on or off University property (child care centers, annual summer camp programs, etc.), a single annual filing is sufficient. Each registration is good for one year, and must be renewed annually if the program continues.

Background Checks

All program staff and volunteers who have direct contact with minors or supervise a program with minors are required to have a background check on record with the University before the adult is hired or allowed to engage with minors.

The following staff are excluded from the background check requirements unless the Program Staff is staying overnight:

  • Staff who engage with minors on or off campus in settings where minors are under the supervision, care and control of teachers, parents or other adult chaperones from the minors’ school or organization;
  • Guest presenters if program staff remain in the room.

Education/Training

Program staff who are required to have a background check must also complete a University-wide training course prior to participating in the program for minors. Completion of this training is required, at a minimum, every three years.

Health and Safety

Covered University-operated programs, must comply with the health and safety measures required in the procedure along with the Pick-Up and Drop Requirements procedure associated with this policy.

Areas addressed in the Health and Safety Requirements section include:

  • Program staff training
  • Supervision (ratio requirements) of minors
  • Overnight stay/residential
  • Minors attending with an adult care-giver
  • Program staff and participant interactions/boundaries and behavior
  • Drug and alcohol use
  • Physical environment (general and bathroom areas)
  • Safe movement of minors (check-in, check-out procedures)
  • Accident and illness prevention and management (medication)
  • Minors in labs

Minors in Classroom Buildings

Both instructors and students should refrain from bringing minors to class. Minors, even well-behaved, can pose a significant distraction. The minor’s presence has the potential to disrupt the proceedings either directly (due to behavior) or indirectly (class material is often not appropriate for a minor). An instructor may ask a student to remove a minor from any class at any time. An instructor should never ask a student to supervise a minor. Additionally, the following guidelines apply:

Minors are permitted in the classroom if:
• The instructor grants the student prior permission to bring a minor to class.
• The Chair/Dean grants the faculty member prior permission to bring a minor to class.
• Minors are the focus of the academic work.
• Minors are under direct and constant supervision of a parent/guardian.
• The minor is enrolled as a student.

Minors are not permitted in the classroom:
• On a regular basis.
• When the classroom environment is not safe (e.g., a laboratory).
• When the material covered is inappropriate for a minor to witness.

Minors in Work Spaces

Minors are welcome to visit the workplace on an occasional basis for brief visits under the following criteria:

  • The minor is under the employee’s or other designated caregiver’s direct supervision and is the sole responsibility of the employee while on campus. Employees should be aware that requesting other employees to provide supervision is unacceptable.
  • Minors are expressly prohibited from entering hazardous areas such as laboratories, kitchens, and workshops unless enrolled as a student.
  • The presence of the minor cannot disrupt the work environment or negatively impact the productivity of employees within the workplace.
  • Permission from a supervisor is required for more extended or regular visits.

The employee bringing a minor to campus is responsible for all aspects of the minor’s behavior including the minor’s safety and is financially responsible for any damages caused by the minor.

Non-University Organizations Using University Facilities

Non-university organizations, also referred to as third-party organizations, that operate programs or activities primarily intended for minors on campus or in a University facility or space, where minors attend without an accompanying adult or when the program includes an overnight stay, must certify to the University via a facility or rental agreement that:

  • All individuals who will have ongoing interaction with minors (and anyone who supervises such individuals) have received training and have undergone a background check that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements of this policy as described in the facility agreement. Note that the exceptions set forth in the Background Checking section above also apply to non-university organizations; and
  • Non-university organizations are responsible for taking appropriate actions to meet or exceed the health and safety requirements as outlined in this policy. The University reserves the right to review the health and safety plans for a program or event.

When non-university organizations conduct a program or event in a University facility where minors attend as part of a team or group and are accompanied by coaches, teachers or group leaders from the minors’ school or organization, the accompanying coaches, teachers and/or group leaders are responsible for the supervision of the participating minors.

Mandatory Reporting

All University employees, including student employees, as well as University volunteers, are required to report to University Security, to the local police department, county sheriff or local social service agency within 24 hours when they know or have reason to believe a minor is being physically or sexually abused or neglected, or has been within the past three years, including abuse and neglect by non-University persons. This includes all minors, students and non-students:

  • Participating in University-sponsored programs that are held on or off University property;
  • Enrolled in undergraduate and graduate academic programs at the University; or
  • Participating in programs operated by non-University organizations on University property.

While Minnesota law requires reporting by certain professionals at the University, such as educators (including faculty, instructors, researchers, coaches and deans), health care providers, social workers, and others, the University policy by policy extends this reporting obligation to all University faculty, staff (including student employees) and volunteers.

After reporting to authorities, individuals are encouraged to notify their supervisor, if appropriate.

The leadership of the University is responsible for this policy with departmental leadership responsible for ensuring their programs and activities involving minors are compliant with this policy. Any questions regarding clarification of this policy should be directed to the Director of Security or the Director of Environmental Health, Safety & Risk Management.

Enforcement

Minors found unattended and not meeting behavioral expectations will be reported to University Security. University Security will follow their response procedures to return the minor to appropriate adult supervision.

Violations by parents/guardians will be referred to University Security to document the violation. Follow-up action will be determined by the appropriate supervisor or the Office of Student Conduct resulting from information collected while investigating the initial complaint. Any disciplinary action must conform to the procedures included in the appropriate collective bargaining agreement, personnel plan, or the Statement of Student Responsibilities.

University Security response procedures may also include contacting the Mankato Department of Public Safety or child protective services if deemed necessary for the health and welfare of the minor.

Compliance with Policy and Protection from Retaliation

All University employees and volunteers must comply with this policy and any applicable federal, state, and local laws. Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

Programs may be suspended during an investigation or discontinued if serious violations of this policy have occurred. University Security or local law enforcement will handle all suspected or known violations of law.

No member of the University community may retaliate against an individual because of the individual’s good faith participation in:

  • Reporting or otherwise expressing opposition to suspected or alleged misconduct;
  • Participating in any process designed to review or investigate suspected or alleged misconduct or non-compliance with applicable policies, rules, and laws.

Definitions

Adult: Any person 18 years of age or older.

Authorized Adult and/or Program Staff: Individuals, paid or unpaid, who interact with, supervise, chaperone, or otherwise oversee minors in program activities, or recreational, and/or residential facilities. This includes but is not limited to faculty, staff, volunteers, graduate and undergraduate students, interns, employees of temporary employment agencies, and independent contractors/consultants. The Authorized Adults’ roles may include positions as counselors, chaperones, coaches, instructors, etc. For purposes of this policy the term “Program Staff” is also assigned this definition. This definition does not include temporary guest speakers, presenters and other individuals who have no direct contact with program participants other than short term activities supervised by program staff.

Direct Contact: Providing care, supervision, guidance or control of minors and/or having routine interaction with minors.

Minor: Any person under the 18 years of age (MN Statute 645.451 subd. 3). This policy is specific to non-enrolled minors. A person under the age of eighteen (18) who is not enrolled at the university, or who is considered to be “dually enrolled” in university programs while also enrolled in elementary, middle and/or high school; is also referred to as a “participant” in this policy.

One-On-One Contact: Personal, unsupervised interaction between any Authorized Adult and a participant without at least one other Authorized Adult, parent or legal guardian being present.

Program: Programs and/or activities offered by various academic or administrative departments of the university, or by non-university groups using university facilities. This includes but is not limited to workshops, sport camps, academic camps, conferences, pre-enrollment visits, 4H or Cooperative Extension programs and similar activities.

Sponsoring Department: The academic or administrative department of the university which offers a program or gives approval for housing or use of facilities.

University Housing: Facilities owned by, or under the control of, the university intended for use as housing.

Minor: anyone under the age of 18 and not enrolled as a student at Minnesota State Mankato.

Parent/Guardian: any adult who is responsible for a minor while on campus regardless of the individual’s relationship to the minor.

Open Access Area: areas on the Mankato campus or at additional University locations that are open to the public and do not require a MavCard for access or use.

Behavioral expectations: knowing and adhering to Minnesota State Mankato and Minnesota State policies, federal, state, and local laws, and the Minnesota State Mankato Statement of Student Responsibilities.


Rationale

Minnesota State University, Mankato is a diverse environment of classrooms, offices, laboratories, recreational facilities, and other common areas. Visitors to campus are welcomed and encouraged. However, appropriate precautions and limitations on visitation are necessary to protect health and safety and to maintain productivity and regulatory compliance.

The University values family members, minors, and dependents attending cultural or sporting events and making authorized use of the gymnasium, library, or pool facilities. However, the University must consider issues of safety, confidentiality, disruption of operations, and liability posed by the presence of minors on campus.

Additionally, Minnesota State University, Mankato hosts a wide variety of camps, clinics, workshops, and conferences many of which involve minor child participants under the age of eighteen (18) years. The University is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of minors who are entrusted to our care or visit our campus.


History of Revisions

  • Effective Date of Last Review: August 1, 2026
  • Date of Last Review: September 2025

Procedure

Protection and Presence of Minors on Campus- Procedure.pdf

The following provisions apply to all departments offering a program that involves minors or sponsoring a non-university group for a program on campus that involves minors.

  1. Preparation
    1. Two weeks prior to the first day of the scheduled program involving minors, the hosting or sponsoring department must complete the “Minor’s Policy Checklist” to coordinate all required services and procedures. This checklist is available through the University Scheduling and Conference Services office.
  2. Communication and Notification
    1. The sponsoring department shall establish an appropriate procedure to notify the minor’s parent/legal guardian in case of an emergency, including behavioral problems, natural disasters, or other significant program disruptions.
    2. The sponsoring department will share this procedure in writing with Authorized Adults with the program, as well as participants and their parents/legal guardians, prior to the start of the event.
    3. The sponsoring department shall maintain a list of all program participants and a directory of program staff. This list shall include participant’s name, gender, age, address, and phone number(s) of parent or legal guardian, as well as emergency contact information. If the event involves university housing, the list must include the room assignment.
    4. The sponsoring department shall provide information to the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) detailing the manner in which the participant can be contacted during the program.
  3. Medical Treatment
    1. The sponsoring department shall obtain a Medical Information and Authorization Form for each program participant and program staff member. (An example can be found in Appendix A) All forms must include the following:
      1. A statement informing the parent/legal guardian that the university does not provide medical insurance to cover medical care for the minor.
      2. A statement authorizing the release of medical information and emergency treatment in case the parent/legal guardian cannot be reached for permission.
      3. A list of any physical, mental, or medical conditions the minor may have, including any allergies that could impact their participation in the program.
      4. A list of all medications the participant may need during their involvement in the program, including over-the-counter medication.
      5. Name, address and phone number of an emergency contact.
    2. Distribution of participants’ medicines by program staff must be handled under the following conditions:
      1. Program staff shall be responsible for reviewing all medical information forms and assessing needs of each program participant.
      2. The participant’s parent/legal guardian will provide the medicine in its original pharmacy container labeled with the participant’s name, medicine name, dosage and timing of consumption. Over-the-counter medications must be provided in their manufacturers’ container.
      3. Program staff shall keep the medicine in a secure location.
      4. At the appropriate time for distribution, program staff shall meet with the participant. The program staff member shall allow the participant to self-administer the appropriate dose as shown on the container. Devices for the self-administration of medications which are prescribed by a physician may be carried by the participant during program activities if necessary (e.g., “epi” pens and asthma inhalers).
      5. The parent/legal guardian will make arrangements for the administration of any medicine that the participant cannot self-administer.
    3. The sponsoring department shall arrange for medical care appropriate for the nature of the program activities, including on-site emergency medical service coverage, if needed. Program staff must have basic first-aid kits available.
  4. Supervision of Minors
    1. Program staff should make every effort to ensure all activities involving minors are supervised by at least two Authorized Adults or by parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the participants. An Additional Authorized adult shall be available as a “floater” to stand in if one of the two adults must leave the area. The two Authorized Adults should not be family members of participants.
    2. It is acceptable for an individual program staff member to provide program services to a group of participants if the activity is conducted in an open or public area where the group is visible to others outside the group at all times. This includes classroom or meeting activities where open doors or windows allow for a clear line of sight.
    3. Mentoring programs that involve private instruction with an individual adult (e.g., laboratory, music instruction, etc.) must not take place in a room or other space that is not in full view from outside the room when the door is closed. A window opening must exist and allow full view into the room. A parent or guardian should be required to remain on the premises for the duration of the private instruction.
    4. The ratio of program staff to program participants must reflect the gender distribution of the participants, and should, at a minimum meet the following:
      1. Resident Camps
        1. One staff member for every four campers in the fourth grade and younger.
        2. One staff member for every six campers for 5th grade through 8th grade.
        3. One staff member for every ten campers 9th grade and older.
      2. Day Camps
        1. One staff for every six campers in the fourth grade and younger.
        2. One staff member for every ten campers for 5th grade through 8th grade.
        3. One staff member for every fifteen campers 9th grade and older.
      3. Beyond these guidelines, some of the factors to be considered in determining requirements for supervision are:
        1. the number and age of the participants,
        2. the activity(ies) involved,
        3. type of housing, if applicable,
        4. and age and experience of the staff members.
    5. The sponsoring program must hold an orientation and training program for participants that includes instruction on:
      1. Safety and security procedures
      2. University rules
      3. Rules established by the program
      4. Behavioral expectations
      5.  Avoiding one-on-one environments
      6. Protecting participants from abusive emotional and physical treatment
      7. Reporting incidents of injury, illness or unacceptable behavior to University Security and local law enforcement
      8. Reporting allegations of child abuse to University Security and local law enforcement immediately
      9. Program emergency preparedness plan
    6. Program staff shall assign a staff member who is at least 21 years of age to be accessible to participants. The staff member must reside in the housing unit, if applicable.
    7. All supervised participants in a university program or a program taking place on university property are permitted in the general use facilities (e.g. athletic fields, public spaces, academic buildings). They are restricted from private areas and limited access facilities (e.g. storage rooms, equipment rooms, athletic training rooms, staff/faculty offices) or from utilizing certain equipment unless required for participation in the program.
  5. Program Rules of Conduct
    1. Program participants and staff must abide by all university regulations.
    2. Program staff shall develop rules and disciplinary measures applicable to the program and make them available to participants by the beginning of the program. The program rules must include, but are not limited to, the following components:
      1. The possession or use of alcohol or drugs is prohibited.
      2. Fireworks, firearms, guns, knives, archery equipment and other weapons are prohibited unless being used for an official sanctioned and approved instructional program.
      3. The operation of motor vehicles by minors is prohibited while attending and participating in the program.
      4. The parking of staff and participant vehicles must be in accordance with university parking regulations.
      5. Hazing of any kind is prohibited. Bullying including verbal, physical, and cyber bullying are prohibited.
      6. No violence, including sexual abuse or harassment, will be tolerated.
      7. No theft.
      8. Use of tobacco products will not be tolerated by participants or program staff. Use of tobacco products on university property and in all university buildings is prohibited.
      9. Misuse or damage of university property is prohibited. Charges will be assessed against those participants who are responsible for damage or misusing university property.
      10. The inappropriate use of cell phones, cameras, imaging, and digital devices is prohibited including use of such devices in showers, restrooms, or other areas where privacy is expected by participants.
      11. Specific rules and procedures governing when and under what circumstances participants may leave university program during the program.
    3. Participants and parents/guardians must agree to the program rules by signing the Rules and Disciplinary Procedures Form. Participants may be removed from the program for non-compliance with university regulations or program rules.
  6. University Housing
    1. Written permission signed by the parent/guardian is required for a minor to reside in university housing.
    2. A curfew time that is age-appropriate for the participants must be defined and enforced.
    3. In-room visitation is restricted to participants of the same gender.
    4. Guests of participants (other than parent/legal guardian and other program participants) are restricted to the building lobby and/or floor lounges. Visitation may occur only during approved hours specified by the program.
    5. The program must comply with all security measures and procedures specified by Residential Life and University Security.
  7. Code of Conduct for Authorized Adults
    1. Authorized Adults must make all reasonable efforts to ensure the safety of minors participating in programs and activities covered by this policy, including removal of minors from dangerous or potentially dangerous situations.
    2. Authorized Adults are considered mandatory reporters. If a program participant discloses any type of assault or abuse (at any time previous to, during or after the program), or an Authorized Adult has reason to believe that a participant has been subject to an assault or abuse, the Authorized Adult must immediately call 911 or University Security at (507)389-2111.
    3. Authorized Adults should behave professionally and maintain the highest standards of personal behavior at all times. Authorized Adults participating in programs and activities covered by this policy will adhere to the following rules of conduct:
      1. Maintain appropriate supervision at all times when minors are present. Activities involving minors must include two or more Authorized Adults. Include another Authorized Adult on any direct electronic contact with minors, including social media. Conduct all interactions in public or in spaces that can be readily observed. Avoid situations that could be misinterpreted (e.g., being alone with the last child to leave an activity). Minors should use a “buddy system” or otherwise be encouraged to stay together when going to the bathroom or when leaving the classroom area.
      2. Maintain appropriate privacy and professional boundaries during personal care routines. Have another Authorized Adult present when entering a minor’s sleeping quarters, bathroom facility, changing area, shower area or similar area. When necessary, showering/bathing or undressing, Authorized Adults must be separate from minors.
      3. Use separate accommodations for adults and minors, except when the minor is staying with their parent/legal guardian. Ensure minors’ accommodations allow for a locked door between themselves and program staff.
      4. Interact with minors and other adults in a manner that is respectful, appropriate, and free from any form of abuse. Use professional and age-appropriate language at all times, avoiding profanity, sexual innuendo, and suggestive comments.
      5. When physical contact with minors is necessary, it must be appropriate, non-harmful, and consistent with program guidelines. Actively prevent and address inappropriate physical contact immediately, including inappropriate contact between minors.
      6. Encourage open communication between minors and their parent/legal guardian. Use language that supports transparency, and never suggest keeping secrets from caregivers.
      7. Transport minors only when specifically authorized in writing by a parent/legal guardian. When transportation is required, ensure two Authorized Adults are present in the vehicle whenever feasible.
      8. Maintain a substance-free environment for minors. Administer prescription or over-the-counter medication only as specifically authorized in writing by the parent/legal guardian. Follow program procedures for emergency treatment.
      9. Ensure minors do not have access to sexual or sexually explicit material in any form, including printed and electronic media.
      10. Treat all minors fairly and equitably. Avoid favoritism, personal gift-giving, or accepting expensive gives from participants.
    4. If an allegation of inappropriate conduct has been made against an Authorized Adult participating in a program, the Authorized Adult shall discontinue any further participation in programs and activities covered by this policy until such allegation has been satisfactorily resolved.
  8. Liability
    1. Program staff shall obtain an Assumption of Risk, Waiver of Liability, Indemnification and Release Form as part of the program registration process. All data gathered shall be confidential, is subject to records retention guidelines, and shall not be disclosed, except as provided by law. Data will be stored and then destroyed following the University’s data management guidelines.
  9. Background Checks: All program staff who have direct contact with minors or supervise a program with minors are required to have a criminal background check on record with University Security before the adult is hired or allowed to engage with minors. Criminal background checks will be conducted by University Security, and these checks must be cleared prior to the beginning of the activity. Subsequent background checks will be required every three (3) years for program staff who return to a covered program or activity.
    1. University Security will conduct criminal history searches through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. If the program staff member indicates that they have lived outside of Minnesota within the past ten years they will be required to submit a fingerprint card to allow for checks outside of Minnesota.
    2. Background checks that show convictions for any of the following offenses listed in MN Statute 299C.67 (including convictions for attempts or conspiracy to commit) will disqualify a staff member from holding a position with interaction with minor.
      1. First-degree murder, second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, third-degree assault, kidnapping, first-degree criminal sexual conduct, second-degree criminal sexual conduct, third-degree criminal sexual conduct, fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, first-degree arson, or stalking;
      2. Third-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter, criminal vehicular homicide or injury, fourth-degree assault, fifth-degree assault, simple robbery, aggravated robbery, false imprisonment, theft, burglary, terroristic threats;
      3. A conviction or attempt for a crime in another jurisdiction that would be a violation of any of the above crimes.
      4. Felony convictions for prohibited drug crimes, including using drugs to injure or facilitate a crime or possession or sale of prohibited drugs;
      5. Crimes against children, including malicious punishment of child, neglect or endangerment of child;
      6. Sex or labor trafficking crimes
    3. It is the responsibility of the person in charge of the program or activity to ensure that each program staff member has received clearance to participate.
      1. New hires are required to complete the university criminal background check process at the time of, and as a condition of, hire. All other program staff members must complete the described criminal background check process. This includes current employees working with minors who have not previously had a criminal background check completed, those whose new hire criminal background check was processed more than three years prior to the activity, and all other individuals working with minors whether paid or unpaid.
      2. The university may accept successful documented criminal background clearances from governmental agencies (e.g. school districts) that have been completed with three (3) years from the start date of the activity.
      3. Non-university entities providing adult supervisors for university-based programs are required to comply with these established procedures to conduct criminal background checks on their program staff and the director, or provide evidence that they are conducting criminal background checks that are at least comparable to the standards indicated in this section.
    4. Results of criminal background checks conducted under this policy will be used only for the purposes of this policy, except that the university reserves the right to take appropriate action with respect to employees who may have falsified or failed to disclose information material to their employment on employment applications uncovered as a result of the background check.
    5. All contracts for services of independent contractors that will be working with minors must include a provision assuring that the employees of such independent contractors or the contractor (in the case of a solo contractor) will comply with the above established process or provide evidence that background checks and training comparable to those required by the university under this policy have taken place.

Programs Directed by Non-University Entities

Camps and other education programs or activities for minors are allowed to be hosted on the university campus by non-University entities. The external entity must:

  1. Provide at least one administrative Program Director with responsibility for satisfactory operation of program, including:
    1. Maintaining discipline among the participants.
    2. Complying with university policies and procedures.
    3. Protecting university property and the safety of other visitors, students, and employees on campus.
    4. Observing curfews.
    5. Arranging for medical treatment in all cases of illness of illness or injury occurring during the program, including transportation to and from the medical facility and ensuring that appropriate insurance forms and information are provided.
    6. Being on call 24 hours a day while the program is in session.
  2. Provide University Security with a list of all program staff and participants prior to the start of the program, including name, address, phone number(s), and emergency contact information.
  3. Provide competent staff to supply adequate instruction and leadership during activities in a sufficient number to supervise the participants.
  4. Complete background checks on program staff and volunteers who will be performing services on behalf of the program and provide copies to University Security. All contracts should have language regarding background checks as follows:
    1. As a condition of this contract, Vendor agrees to certify that any of its employees, independent contractors or agents who will be performing services on behalf of the Vendor will have successfully completed a background check in accordance with the policies and procedures of the University. This includes the completion of background checks conducted by University Security. Vendors have a financial obligation to pay for all background checks of its employees, independent contractors, agents and volunteers. Should a Vendor utilize another source for backgrounds checks, Vendor is required to submit evidence to University Security of the completed checks.
  5. Conduct appropriate training to program staff about protecting participants from abusive emotional and physical treatment and required reporting of incidents of improper conduct to the proper authorities including, but not limited to, local law enforcement and University Security.
  6. Follow all university policies regarding the use of/possession of alcohol, drugs, weapons, and fireworks.
  7. Immediately notify University Security of any crimes that occur on university property during the program.
  8. Follow university parking regulations for program staff and participant vehicles.

Definitions

Adult: Any person 18 years of age or older.

Authorized Adult and/or Program Staff: Individuals, paid or unpaid, who interact with, supervise, chaperone, or otherwise oversee minors in program activities, or recreational, and/or residential facilities. This includes but is not limited to faculty, staff, volunteers, graduate and undergraduate students, interns, employees of temporary employment agencies, and independent contractors/consultants. The Authorized Adults’ roles may include positions as counselors, chaperones, coaches, instructors, etc. For purposes of this policy the term “Program Staff” is also assigned this definition. This definition does not include temporary guest speakers, presenters and other individuals who have no direct contact with program participants other than short term activities supervised by program staff.

Direct Contact: Providing care, supervision, guidance or control of minors and/or having routine interaction with minors.

Minor: Any person under the 18 years of age (MN Statute 645.451 subd. 3). This policy is specific to non-enrolled minors. A person under the age of eighteen (18) who is not enrolled at the university, or who is considered to be “dually enrolled” in university programs while also enrolled in elementary, middle and/or high school; is also referred to as a “participant” in this policy.

One-On-One Contact: Personal, unsupervised interaction between any Authorized Adult and a participant without at least one other Authorized Adult, parent or legal guardian being present.

Program: Programs and/or activities offered by various academic or administrative departments of the university, or by non-university groups using university facilities. This includes but is not limited to workshops, sport camps, academic camps, conferences, pre-enrollment visits, 4H or Cooperative Extension programs and similar activities.

Sponsoring Department: The academic or administrative department of the university which offers a program or gives approval for housing or use of facilities.

University Housing: Facilities owned by, or under the control of, the university intended for use as housing.


History of Revisions

  • Effective Date of Last Review: August 1, 2026
  • Date of Last Review: September 2025

Rationale