Children and Dependents on Campus Policy

Purpose

Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State) is a diverse environment of classrooms, offices, laboratories, athletic facilities, recreation and other common areas. Visitors to the college campuses are welcome and encouraged. Appropriate precautions and limitations on visitations are necessary to protect the health, safety and to maintain productivity of all individuals and to meet regulatory compliance.

Definitions

Child

For the purpose of this policy, a child is defined as a person under the age of 18 and is not enrolled as a student at the college.

Policy

Unattended Children

No employee, student or visitor to the College shall leave a child unattended at the campus, including in buildings, on campus grounds or in a vehicle, nor should a child be left with a College employee unless that child is enrolled in an authorized program of the College.

Children On the College Premise

Children in public common areas on the College premise must be supervised at all times and not disruptive of learning and working environments. 

Children are not permitted in classrooms. Exceptions may be granted, for a limited period of time, by obtaining prior approval from the faculty member responsible for the class. 

Children are not allowed in areas where dangerous equipment is operated and/or where chemicals, cleaning products, solvents or any hazardous products are stored or used. 

Children under the age of 18 are allowed on the College premise for College-sponsored tours/events if they are supervised as part of the tour/event and are not disruptive of learning and working environments. 

Children In the Workplace

Children shall not be present at an employee’s workplace (e.g. office, classroom, lab, etc.) in lieu of other childcare arrangements during the employee’s work hours. Exceptions may be granted on an emergency basis for a specified and limited period of time by the appropriate supervisor or designee.

Responsibility

Parent, Guardian or Accompanying Adult

It is the responsibility of the parent, guardian or accompanying adult to ensure a child does not disrupt the College’s educational or work environments and that children do not enter areas on campus where children are not permitted.

College Employees

• Report policy violations to their supervisor or campus administrator to determine appropriate action.
• Follow Minnesota State Statute 626.556 Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors mandatory reporting if a child is left unattended and their physical, mental or emotional health is at risk.

References

Minnesota State Statute 626.556 Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors

Associated Policies and Procedures

Minnesota State system Procedure 1C.0.1 Employee Code of Conduct