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 16 and is not enrolled as a student at the college.

Policy

In the Classroom

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. Exceptions are college sponsored tours/events where children under the age of 16 are supervised and a part of the tour/event. As casual visitors to the open campus area, children shall not be restricted except when being disruptive.

In the Workplace

Children shall not be present at an employee’s workplace (e.g. office, classroom, lab, etc.) in lieu of other child care 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.

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.

Responsibility

When a child is present in the classroom or workplace, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian/accompanying adult to ensure the child does not disrupt the educational or work setting.

Pursuant to Minnesota State Statute 626.556, schools are mandated reporters of maltreatment of minors. Maltreatment of minors includes abuse and neglect. Neglect includes leaving children unattended.

References

Minnesota State Statute 626.556

Minnesota State Employee Code of Ethics