POL-U5315.20 Bringing Children To Campus

A parent, guardian or other responsible adult or caregiver is welcome to bring children to campus to visit, so long as such visits are compatible with the University’s mission.

Faculty, staff, volunteers and students need to acknowledge that family needs and responsibilities may, in some circumstances, require the presence of a child in a learning space or workplace for a limited amount of time.

Similarly, the individual who makes the decision to bring a child into a learning space or workplace should be aware and respectful of the needs others have for a quiet educational and/or work setting. Also, individuals must recognize that some University buildings, housing, learning spaces and workspaces were not designed or constructed with the safety of children in mind. Children should not be brought to certain higher risk environments on campus (e.g. laboratories, machine shops, patrol vehicles, etc.).

It is the responsibility of faculty and staff to meet their employment and contractual obligations to the University. Arrangements for children that impinge on those responsibilities are of concern to fellow faculty, staff and students.

Faculty and staff who wish to bring their children to work for limited periods of time may do so if they can carry out their duties unimpeded, and allow others to do the same.

Allowing faculty and staff to bring their children to work is a privilege extended by the University to assist in meeting family needs and responsibilities, and may be revoked at the discretion of the department head responsible for the department.

Children of students are allowed in the classroom under the supervision of the parent or guardian when:

1. Alternative arrangements are impractical or impossible, such as the illness of a day care provider; and
2. The faculty member responsible for the classroom has given prior approval.   

Alternatives such as the student arranging to record a particular session should be considered.  Students should avoid bringing children to classrooms on days of examinations.

University faculty or staff must be available at all times to respond to student needs or emergencies. Students are expected to have the freedom to invest the time and effort that would be required to successfully participate and meet academic requirements. For this reason, the University does not recommend they, or others, take accompanying children.

1. Exceptions:  In rare cases, and only with prior written authorization from the department head, children may accompany parents or legal guardians on University authorized field trips or study abroad activities.  Children must be accompanied by an adult (i.e., full-time caretaker and NOT the faculty, staff or students) who will be fully responsible for them, and who will see to their safety, health, travel and other needs.  
2. Expenses: The faculty, staff or student must pay for all expenses incurred on the child’s behalf.
3. Supervision: In consideration of authorizing such exceptions by the department head, the presence of children should not disrupt or alter the field trip or study abroad activity in any way.

Children are welcome to attend youth programs affiliated with the University in accordance with each program’s rules and other requirements for the children and their parent or guardian.

The University is not responsible or liable for any injury to a child, unless caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of the University, its officers, agents, volunteers, or employees.

Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring children behave appropriately if accompanying a parent or guardian to work, a class, a performing arts event, an athletic event, or as part of some other campus visit.

If a child is disruptive, in the view of the faculty or administrator responsible for the class, work setting, or event, the parent or guardian must remove the child from the situation upon request.

Individuals with questions regarding children on campus may contact the University’s Risk Manager for assistance.