Protection of Children / Minors on Campus

Protection of Children / Minors on Campus

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is dedicated to the welfare and safety of all Children / Minors who visit our campus to participate in University-related programs or activities or events involving minors on the University campuses. To that end, on February 1, 2018, UCCS adopted the Protection of Children / Minors on Campus policy.  The objective of this policy is to clarify expectations and outline campus requirements to provide for the protection of children who are participating in programs for children.

The Protection of Children Minors on Campus policy does the following:

  • Designation of Campus Administrator;
  • Designation of Children on Campus Advisory Committee;
  • Protocols related to Minors on Campus;
  • Operations related to Minors on Campus (documentation, payment, medication, general rules, and non-discrimination);
  • Reminder related  background checks for individuals who work in programs/camps;
  • Outlines reporting and training obligations;

UNIVERSITY POLICY

A Program for Children is defined as: a University program operated exclusively or primarily for children left in University care without parent or guardian supervision and that requires registration or application. Any child care center operated on campus pursuant to C.R.S. §§ 26-6-101 to -121 complies with state laws and regulations applicable to a child care center and is excluded from this policy. If you offer, sponsor, or approve programs for children, please review UCCS Campus Policy 100-019:  Protection of Children / Minors on Campus policy and APS 7009: Protection of Children Participating in University-Run and University Contracted Programs for Children

Related Policies

DUTY TO REPORT

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is committed to maintaining an environment free from sexual misconduct, and discrimination or harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation, or political philosophy. An employee and / or volunteer who suspects that a child participating in a program for children is being abused, harassed, mistreated, or neglected by any person/s shall report such information to law enforcement immediately and shall also notify their supervisor and/or the campus administrator. University employees who are mandatory reporters under Colorado law (see C.R.S. § 19-3-304) shall report pursuant to the provisions in that law.If any person has reason to suspect that a Minor has been subject to neglect or abuse, he or she must immediately do the following:

  • Inform the UCCS Police Department 719-255-3111;
  • If a member of the University may be involved in or has engaged in abuse, harassment, mistreatment or neglect, you must also report directly to the Office of Institutional Equity; https://equity.uccs.edu/oie-reporting-options
  • Document in the Canvas Minors on Campus site.

PROGRAMS/CAMPS DIRECTED BY NON-UNIVERSITY ENTITIES (Unaffiliated)

Non-university/unaffiliated organizations that wish to operate programs or activities involving children and minors at the UCCS campus must ensure their programs are conducted in accordance with the Protection of Children/Minors on Campus policy requirements.   All unaffiliated program operators must work with the University Center and Event Services department and sign an agreement with the University requiring the unaffiliated program to:

  1. provide insurance and indemnification, as required by APS 7001: Insurance and Indemnification Requirements for Use of Facilities by Non-University Groups;
  2. comply with all UCCS Policies and Procedures;
  3. collect and maintain all required information as outlined in the Protection of Children/Minors on Campus policy;
  4. provide training, support, and resources to all conference or camp staff on working with minors or children prior to the conference or camp event;
  5. verify that background checks on all conference and camp staff working with minors/children during the event have been completed; and
  6. submit to a UCCS policy compliance audit as required by the campus.

REQUIREMENTS

Each program for children shall collect and maintain the following information for each program for children:

  1. the nature of the program, including day or overnight;
  2. the program’s date and location;
  3. the approximate number and age of participating children;
  4. volunteer plans;
  5. transportation plans;
  6. a signed media release for each child, if applicable; and
  7. a signed waiver of liability for every child.

No less than annually, program operators shall update the Minors on Campus Canvas site with the following information:

  1. the nature of the program;
  2. the program’s date and location; and
  3. the approximate number and age of participating children.

How to access the Minors on Campus Canvas site:

FORMS AND GUIDELINES

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Have questions? See below.

POLICY RATIONALE

Why has UCCS adopted this policy?
What type of program is covered under the new policy?
Does the Policy apply to every encounter with a child or minor on campus?
I’m not involved in any programs involving minors at UCCS. Does the policy apply to me?
I’m a student over the age of 18 who is working in a program involving minors as a camp advisor. Does the policy apply to me?

APPLICABILITY TO VOLUNTEERS

Our department sponsors an enrichment camp on campus each summer. We routinely have volunteers from outside the University come in to assist us with the camp as program staff.
Will our volunteers be subject to the background check requirements and training required by the policy?

APPLICABILITY TO SPEAKERS

In our program for minors, we frequently have guest speakers who present information to the children and interact with them. Will this policy require our guest speakers to go through a background check and/or training?
I am operating a program involving minors. How do I arrange for background checks for my staff?

REPORTING OBLIGATIONS

When might I need to make a report under the Minors on Campus Policy?
What if I’m not sure whether a minor I’m working with has been abused or neglected?
How do I make a report to the University?

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS- Who Needs Training

What training am I required to have in order to participate in a program involving minors?
Who will provide the training?
I’m a student participating in a program involving minors. Do I need any training?

EXTERNAL PROGRAMS OPERATING ON UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

We are an outside group not affiliated with the University that wants to hold a retreat on campus this summer. What are we required to do in order to do so?

REQUESTS FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For additional information, please contact: