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Minors on Campus Policy

Policy approved by Mercy College Board of Trustees, March 2021

Minors visit Mercy College of Ohio (the “College”) for a variety of reasons. They may visit as prospective students, as participants on field trips, to attend camps, and for other occasions. Whatever the reason for their presence, all College employees are to be particularly vigilant regarding their safety and security.  With that in mind, the College has created policies aimed at protecting children who are involved with the community.

This policy applies to all minors, as defined below, who are on College property or are otherwise participating in College-sponsored programs and activities.

  1. Definitions
    1. “Child abuse or neglect” is when a child has suffered or faces a substantial threat of suffering any physical or mental injury that reasonably indicates abuse or neglect, including that of a sexual nature.
    2. "Minors" are persons under the age of eighteen (18) who may or may not be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at Mercy College of Ohio as a student. The term “minor” and “child” are used interchangeably in this policy.
  2. Reporting Suspected Abuse or Neglect
    1. Consistent with Ohio law, it is the College’s policy that any employee who knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that a minor has been subjected to abuse or neglect, may be subjected to abuse or neglect, or faces a threat of abuse or neglect shall immediately make a report as described in Procedure 176, Section I. For purposes of this paragraph, “reasonable cause” does not require that the individual making the observation conduct an investigation prior to making the report of his or her “reasonable” suspicion that a minor has been abused or neglected or is at risk of it.
    2. The College will make every reasonable effort to conduct its investigation of reported child abuse or neglect occurring in College programs or activities in a manner that protects the confidentiality of the person making the report. However, it may be necessary to disclose details in the course of an investigation or when required by law.
    3. Nothing in this policy is intended to prevent non-employees, such as students and visitors, from making a report if they have reasonable cause to suspect that child abuse or neglect has occurred or may occur.
  3. Supervision of Minors on Campus
    1. No minors (this does not include enrolled or accepted Mercy College students) are to be left alone or unsupervised on college property: this includes, but is not limited to classrooms, offices, skills labs, science labs, student lounges, waiting areas, etc. It is the responsibility of anyone who brings minors to campus to ensure supervision of that minor. If a minor has been left unattended, this should be reported as described in Procedure 176, Section II.
  4. Minors in the Workplace or Classroom
    1. As discussed in this section, in certain circumstances, it may be appropriate for faculty, staff, and students to bring their minor children to the workplace or classroom. In such situations, the goal should be to foster respect for the needs of all parties impacted by the presence of the minor children. Employees and supervisors must consider issues of safety, confidentiality, disruption of operations, disruption of services, disruption to other employees, appropriateness and liability posed by the presence of the minor children in the workplace. Faculty, staff, and students:
      1. May occasionally bring minors to the workplace for brief visits, specific campus events, situational convenience, or family emergencies. These should be occasional and not in the place of regular childcare.
      2. Must obtain prior approval from their workplace supervisor or classroom instructor before bringing a minor to the workplace or classroom.
      3. Accept full responsibility for the minor’s safety and supervision, and for any damage to property or injury to persons that is caused by the minor’s presence.
      4. Accept responsibility for monitoring the minor’s behavior to prevent interruptions to College business or instruction.
    2. Minors are not allowed in high-risk or hazardous areas as defined by the supervisor or instructor. These areas may include mechanical rooms, food preparation areas, areas with heavy equipment, College vehicles, or laboratories or other specialized hazardous areas.
    3. At all times, the College reserves the right to not allow a minor to attend work or class with a faculty member, staff member, or student.