Children on Campus

Approved by Executive Council: 08 September 2026

The University is committed to fostering a welcoming, family-friendly campus culture that values employees and their families and encourages their engagement in the life of the institution. As part of this commitment, employees and their immediate family members are encouraged to participate in the many athletic, recreational, cultural, and community events offered throughout the year. Employees and their families may access designated campus facilities after normal business hours for fitness, wellness, and recreation and attend athletic competitions and other University-sponsored events, consistent with applicable facility use guidelines and University policies.

At the same time, the University must ensure that its academic, administrative, and operational activities supporting the educational mission are conducted without disruption. Accordingly, while family involvement and engagement are encouraged, the regular presence of children or family members in the workplace during scheduled work hours cannot interfere with the University’s effective operation or employees’ ability to perform their duties.

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Scope

This policy applies to all faculty, staff, and students.

General Policy

The campus is a learning environment and is not an appropriate place for children to be present frequently or on an ongoing basis. Bringing children to the workplace or classroom should not be used as a substitute for making regular childcare arrangements while at work or in class.

Children may be brought to work areas outside of regular business hours (e.g., weekends, before 8 a.m., after 5 p.m., or holidays) or for designated special events where their participation is welcome and encouraged, such as Boo Bash, Christmas Tree Lighting, or ceremonies. Please note that the responsible adult must meet the General Requirements at all times.

Children who are ill or would otherwise be excluded from school or daycare should not be brought to campus.

Responsible adults may be asked to remove children from campus at any time, when necessary.

Exceptions

• Minors enrolled as students at the University.
• After Regular Business Hours Access: Employees and their families may access designated campus facilities after normal business hours for fitness, wellness, and recreation and attend athletic competitions and other University-sponsored events, consistent with applicable facility use guidelines and University policies.
• Brief visits: An employee may bring a child, grandchild, or other minor relative to the workplace for a short visit (e.g., to introduce the child to co-workers) as long as it does not create a distraction or disrupt normal business operations.
• Non-student minors participating in University-approved, sponsored activities or programs.
• Special occasions: Employer-sanctioned events (e.g., award ceremonies) scheduled during the regular workday where children’s attendance is encouraged.

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Important Notes:

• Supervisors cannot approve children on campus outside of this policy, and repeated misuse of exceptions will not be allowed and will be immediately addressed with divisional leadership.
• Even during brief visits or special occasions, the University cannot assume responsibility for the safety of children not participating in University-related activities.
• When a child visits campus, the following general requirements must be met at all times.
  • General Requirements
    • Children cannot be cared for or supervised by any student or another employee.
    • Children must be visibly supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
    • Children should not disturb others or enter areas where employees or students are working.
    • Children may not linger or run in hallways, and they must be accompanied by a responsible adult when using restrooms.
    • Children who are ill or would otherwise be excluded from school or daycare are not permitted on campus.
    • Children are not allowed to use University computers, phones, or any other type of equipment.
    • Responsible adults may be asked to remove children from campus at any time.

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Areas Off Limits to Children

Children are never permitted in these areas due to significant safety and health hazards:

• Construction sites and related areas
• Facilities Services and shop areas
• Chemical storage areas
• Mechanical rooms
• Housekeeping storage areas
• Stormwater drainage channels and drainage ditches
• Any location where their presence may jeopardize safety

Areas Off Limits Unless Participating in an Approved Sponsored Event

Children may only enter these areas when prior arrangements have been made with the sponsoring department and approved and must be able to provide proof of a signed Assumption of Risk Form:

• Pools and fountains located on campus
• All Athletic facilities
• Theatre and music stage areas, including backstage
• All academic computer, engineering, and other specialized labs
• Academic laboratories
• All kitchen areas
• All University-owned vehicles

Important Notice

By bringing a child to campus, an employee acknowledges that the child may be exposed to hazards or risks (including accidents or property damage) that could result in illness, injury, or death. The employee accepts all liability for injuries and accepts financial responsibility for any damage caused by a child.

Anyone who finds an unaccompanied or unsupervised child on campus, or a child creating a disruption or distraction, should contact University Police at (210) 436-3330 for assistance.