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I'm here with Bridget Ballou and Jesse Benton to discuss protection minors at the University. As you walk around campus you likely have noticed the growing number of students under the age of 18 in class, in Residence Life, and in other Student Activities. "Protection of Minors" is a set of policies and measures aimed at keeping individuals under 18 safe and secure when they're on our campuses. Such policies reflect the institution's commitment to maintaining a secure and supportive space for all members of the campus community.

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Three key things university employees need to know about minors attending the university are:

1. Some university employees involved in the protection of minor processes are "mandated reporters." The list of included employees is sent in Statue set by the state, which may change over time.

However everyone is encouraged to report whether they are a mandatory reporter or not. Mandatory reporters must submit a report to the state of Alaska's Office of Children's Services within 24 hours a reasonable cause to respect that a child has suffered harm as a result of abuse or neglect. This includes reporting requirements and follow-up investigation after the event has taken place, as well as here at ��ū�컨��, we report all concerns to the Equity and Compliance Office.

1. Training and certification. Certain work teams and departments that frequently interact with minors, such as admissions teams assisting minors regularly, should provide staff with appropriate training and certification to handle situations involving minors effectively and responsibly.

1. Employees need to start the Protection of Minors process at least 30 days prior to a minor event taking place on campus. Give yourself and your team or department plenty of time, because the process can involve multiple employees, work teams, background checks, and collaboration with external partners. 

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Employees should be aware that certain activities involving minors may require heightened levels of supervision and additional mitigation processes. These could lead to different procedures, potential timeline delays, and the need for specific authorizations.

Decisions on such activities may be based on risk assessments, staffing considerations, equipment requirements or insurance coverage, among other factors. When volunteers and protection of minors activities are combined, there are additional procedures and authorizations that are needed.

These could involve risk management assessments, Title IX training, waivers and more, to ensure the safety and well-being of minors involved. As a best practice to protect both employees and minors, avoid being isolated or alone with a minor at any time. If such situations are unavoidable, employees should take steps to ensure the safety of both parties. For assistance in developing action plans for such scenarios, employees can reach out to their Protection of Minor’s contact.

The upcoming new protection of minors policy will require a minimum of two supervising adults to be present at every event involving minors, although there will be some exceptions.

Documentation and the retention of all records is vital to meet all the laws related to protection of minors.

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If you see something of concern please make a report to the Office of Children's Services and notify your Protection of Minors contact. 

If you have ideas for future compliance chats please send them to ua-compliance@alaska.edu.