OU Administrative Policies
and Procedures
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630 Youth Program Protection Policy
SUBJECT: | YOUTH PROGRAM PROTECTION POLICY |
NUMBER: | 630 |
AUTHORIZING BODY: | VICE PRESIDENT FOR FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION |
RESPONSIBLE OFFICE: | OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE |
DATE ISSUED: | SEPTEMBER 2019 |
LAST UPDATE: | JUNE 2021 |
RATIONALE: To provide for the appropriate supervision and protection of Youth participating in programs and events, whether in-person or virtual, offered by or at Oakland University (University). | |
POLICY: All University employees are responsible for the protection of Youths hosted on campus or participating in events or programs under the direction of the University at other geographic locations. Failure to comply with this policy may lead to disciplinary action and/or the revocation of the opportunity to use university facilities or representing the University. | |
SCOPE AND APPLICABILITY: This policy applies to all units and programs of the University. All academic programs, camps, athletic camps, pre-college programs, tutoring, the Lowry Center, and similar activities intended for Youths and meet the definition of Youth Programs are within the scope of this policy whether they are limited to daily activities or involve the housing of Youths in residence halls and whether they occur virtually, in University facilities, or other geographic locations. This policy applies to University employees who conduct Youth Programs at University Facilities through a separate business entity such as a corporation, limited liability corporation, partnership or sole proprietorship. This policy does not apply to enrolled University students who are Youths or high school students and Youths covered under Policy 718 “Employment of High School Students and Youths.” | |
DEFINITIONS: Authorized Adult - Individuals, age 18 and older, who interact with, supervise, chaperone, or otherwise oversee Youths in program activities, or recreational, and/or residential facilities. This includes but is not limited to faculty, staff, volunteers, graduate and undergraduate students, interns, employees of temporary employment agencies, and independent contractors/consultants. This does not include invited speakers or presenters at events where the speaker or presenter will not have any one-on-one Contact with a Youth. One-on-one Contact - Unsupervised interaction between a Youth and any adult who is not the Youth's parent, guardian, school teacher, and/or chaperone. One-on-one contact limitations do not include situations in which more than one Youth or faculty, staff, or Authorized Adult is present. Sponsoring Unit - The academic, non-academic, administrative or auxiliary unit of the University, or entity deemed by the University to be subject to this policy, which offers a Youth Program. Tutoring - A one-to-one or small group activity where a person who is knowledgeable and has expertise in a specific content area or discipline provides guidance, help, or clarification to one or more who do not. University Facilities - Facilities owned by, or under the control of, the University with the exception of the Student Health Center, which will follow separate policies that reflect the unique activities that occur in this location. Youth - A person under the age of eighteen (18) who is not enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the University. Students who are “dually enrolled” in University programs while also enrolled in elementary, middle and/or high school are not included in this policy unless such enrollment includes overnight housing in University facilities. Youth Program - Any class, camp, program, or other activity that includes participation by Youths, whether virtually or in-person. This includes but is not limited to lessons, Lowry Center, workshops, sports camps and/or clinics, academic camps, pre-college programs, conferences, pre-enrollment visits, or other programs and similar activities. The term “Youth Program” does not include (1) private, personal events (e.g. birthday parties, weddings) that occur at University Facilities, or (2) events open to the general public (e.g., intercollegiate athletic events, and concerts), or (3) activities during which parents, guardians, school teachers, and/or chaperones are expected to be responsible for the care, custody, or control of the Youths, or (4) activities which are part of a University student’s academic pursuit, curricula, or University required community engagement activities such as service learning programs, clinical rotations or similar activity. Youth Program Administrator - A University employee who is responsible for the administration of the Youth Program. Youth Protection/Clery Compliance Coordinator – The University employee responsible for overseeing all University policies involving youth protection. | |
PROCEDURES: Program Registration The University requires that all University-sponsored Youth Programs be registered annually. Youth Program Administrators are responsible for ensuring all information is current for their Youth Program Registration, which is expected to be completed no later than 60 days before the program or event start date. The Registration link can be found at http://forms.wxzjnt.com. If you have any questions, contact the Youth Protection/Cleary Act Coordinator at (248) 370-3867 or OUPD at (248) 370-3000. Background Checks The University requires that all Authorized Adults be subject to a criminal background check as specified by the University. All background checks must be completed and evaluated annually at the Sponsoring Unit’s expense through the University approved vendor (unless required to be conducted through the State of Michigan) before an Authorized Adult can instruct, supervise, chaperone, oversee or otherwise interact with Youths in Youth Programs. The University requires a minimum of two weeks prior to the commencement of the program to complete background checks. If a criminal record history is found, the Youth Protection/Clery Compliance Coordinator will evaluate and make a determination regarding the ability of an Authorized Adult to participate in a Youth Program. Standards of Behavior Authorized Adults are responsible for familiarizing themselves with this policy, the Youth Protection website and these standards of behavior. The following standards of behavior are expected to be adhered to in order to prevent harm to Youths or behaviors that could be misinterpreted:
Report Allegation(s) of Inappropriate Behavior “See Something, Say Something, Do Something.” Every member of the University community has an obligation to immediately report instances or suspected instances of abuse of or inappropriate interactions with Youths to the Youth Protection/Clery Compliance Coordinator, OUPD and to the Youth Program Administrator. Individuals violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion or termination. Responsibilities: Authorized Adults
Youth Program Administrator
Youth Protection/Clery Compliance Coordinator
All Persons
Training Youth Program Administrators are responsible for ensuring that all required training has been completed prior to commencement of the Youth Program.
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RELATED POLICIES AND FORMS: | |
APPENDIX: Youth Protection Website: http://glv.wxzjnt.com/youth |