Frequently Asked Questions
- I understand there is a new policy for programs involving minors, what do I do first?
- Read the New Protection of Minors Policy
- Register University-Sponsored Programs/Activities involving children and teens.
- Submit to criminal background screening of all staff or volunteers.
- Use university-provided templates for participant forms and safeguard planning.
- Ensure all participating faculty, staff, students, and volunteers complete required background checks and required training.
- Adhere to all reporting obligations.
- Why was the Protection of Minors Policy created?
- To whom does this policy apply?
- What type of programs fall under the new policy?
All University-Sponsored Programs/Activities involving minors that take place in ISU facilities, on ISU property or under the authority and direction of the University at other locations fall under the new policy.
Examples Include:
- Summer camps
- Specialty camps such as academic Camps
- Outreach activities
- Workshops, conferences and educational programs.
- Tutoring
- Music Lessons
- University Sponsored RSO activities where minors are present
- How far in advance must a program/activity be registered?
- What type of training do University sponsored program staff and volunteers need to complete?
Mandated Reporter Training
PowerPoint (from OEOA)
- I'm unsure if my program/activity applies to this policy. What should I do?
- Who must complete a criminal background check and sex offender registry check? How often are they required?
Please refer to the Protection of Minors Policy for exceptions to background checks
- How are the background checks administered, and what is the notification process?
- If a background check reveals a criminal record history, will the applicant be immediately denied?
- Can background checks be waived?
Yes, exceptions to the requirement of background checks may be requested as follows:
- For guest speakers, visiting artists, and others who make brief or one-time contributions to programs/activities for minors and are compensated under the provisions of University Policy 7.1.39, Honorariums.
- For visiting individuals who can provide documentation of a successful background check.
- For visiting individuals who can provide documentation of a successful background check conducted within the past 90 days.
- For events utilizing large numbers of volunteers recruited in a time frame that makes background checks run in advance impracticable and where the University will be able to provide on-the-spot checks using government issued identification. A positive result (“hit”) using this system will disqualify the individual from volunteering.
- For other reasons as explained by the organizing group.
Requests for exceptions shall be made to, and reviewed by, the Minors Activity Compliance Committee.
- What is the Minors Activity Compliance Committee (MACC)?
The MACC will review each program/activity request to ensure that the proposed Program/Activity meets the requirements of University policies and procedures.
The MACC will ordinarily consist of representatives from Academic Affairs, University Police Department, General Counsel, Risk Management, Environmental Health and Safety, and Faculty. Representatives from other Vice-Presidential Areas or Athletics will join the Minors Activity Compliance Committee when the program/activity is in their area.
- How long will it take the MACC to review my event?
Please allow up to two weeks for committee review. Information will be submitted to and reviewed by appropriate members of the MACC. The MACC may request additional information from the sponsor.
- Why does the policy include reporting obligations?
Every member of the university community and those participating in Programs/Activities involving minors share a responsibility to report suspicions of misconduct, abuse or neglect.
If immediate emergency assistance is needed, please contact the police by dialing 9-1-1, and then contact Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) Hotline at 1-800-25ABUSE