Policy Summary
Effective July 1, 2016 youth programs are required to adhere to University Policy 1-015 Safety of Minors Participating in University Programs or Programs Held on University Premises.
This policy was created to provide for the safety and protection of Minors who are participating in University sponsored or co-sponsored programs, or programs operated by non-University entities on University Premises. The policy establishes minimum requirements for any University entity providing programming to minors, as well as minimum requirements for the adults that will be working with youth as part of these programs.
The policy applies to all members of the University community, including all employees, interns, and students, and also to all volunteers, contractors, vendors, Authorized Adults, and other individuals who use University Premises.
All requirements must be met prior to the start of the program and can be subject to audit from The Office of Equal Opportunity. The program is responsible for ensuring that all requirements of the policy are met prior to the start of the program and for the maintenance of all records related to their compliance.
Some important definitions as they relate to the policy:
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Minor |
A person under 18 years of age. |
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Authorized Adult |
An individual who is 18 years of age or older, who is authorized to care for, interact with, supervise, chaperone, or otherwise have access or contact with a Minor in a Covered Program. |
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Covered Program |
A program or activity that is specifically designed for Minors as the participants, that is offered or sponsored by an academic or other administrative unit of the University (whether held on or off University Premises) or by a non-University entity operating on University Premises, and that has supervisory responsibility for the Minor participants. |
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Program Administrator |
The person who is in charge of a Covered Program. |
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University Premises |
The University of Utah campus and any other property, building or facility, that is owned, operated or controlled by the University. |
Why the policy is important:
We understand the value in giving children early exposure to higher education and these programs have a great impact on the youth and communities that they serve. But, its important to remember:
- Parents, children and the administrators alike expect that schools and other institutions of learning are safe havens and we need to meet and exceed that expectation.
- Keeping children safe should always be the number one concern for programs that serve minors.
- The University of Utah serves approximately 150,000 minors every year.
- 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be abused sometime before they turn 18.
- Unintentional injuries and abuse can occur in even the safest of environments.
The impact that incidents of violent or sexual abuse has on the victim, the organization, and the community are so severe that it is important to do everything possible to try to prevent it.