2.21 Children on Campus

Purpose

This policy outlines the circumstances under which it is appropriate for children to be present on the Riverland Community College campuses. The policy is intended to foster respect for the needs of all parties impacted by the presence of children on campus, in the classroom or in the workplace.

Applicability

Events

Children are encouraged to attend college-sponsored events intended for children and/or families or intended for community participation. College departments and/or student organizations that plan events on the college campus are to ensure appropriate supervision for the audience they are inviting, especially for children.

Classrooms

Both instructors and students should refrain from bringing children to class. The child’s presence has the potential to disrupt the proceedings either directly (due to behavior) or indirectly (class material is often not appropriate for a child). An instructor may ask a student to remove a child from any class at any time. Additionally, the following guidelines apply:

• Children may be permitted in the classroom if:
  • The instructor grants the student prior permission to bring a child to class.
  • The Dean grants the faculty member prior permission to bring a child to class.
  • Children are the focus of the academic work.
  • Children are under direct and constant supervision of a parent/guardian.
• Children are not permitted in the classroom:
  • On a regular basis.
  • When the classroom environment is not safe (e.g., a laboratory).
  • When the material covered is inappropriate for a child to witness.

Workplace

Children are welcome to visit the workplace on an occasional basis for brief visits under the following criteria:

• The employee’s supervisor grants prior permission.
• The child must be under the employee’s direct supervision and is the sole responsibility of the employee while on campus. Employees should be aware that requesting other employees to provide supervision is unacceptable.
• Children are expressly prohibited from entering hazardous areas such as laboratories and shops.
• The presence of the child cannot disrupt the work environment or negatively impact the productivity of employees within the workplace.

The employee bringing a child to campus is responsible for all aspects of the child’s behavior including the child’s safety and is financially responsible for any damages caused by the child.

• Students and employees must make adequate arrangements for childcare. They must have alternative plans that can be used in the case of illness or unavailability of normal childcare. College employees should not be asked to supervise children. Exceptions should only be made in response to special circumstances for short periods of time and must be approved by the student’s instructor or the employee’s supervisor.
• If children of staff are on campus and they are not a student at Riverland, they should restrict themselves to public areas, libraries, student commons, or waiting areas.
• The children of staff should not be on campus or work areas on a daily or regular basis if they are not a student at Riverland.
• If children of staff are on campus, they should not engage in extended visits in staff offices or work areas.

If the children of staff are enrolled and employed through the work study program, they should limit their presence to their work study location, classes, and public student areas.

Scope

Employees and students.

Definitions

Child: A child is defined as any child of a student, staff, or faculty member that is under the age of 18. Enrolled students under 18 are not subject to this policy.

Parent/Guardian: Any adult who is responsible for a minor while on campus regardless of the individual’s relationship to the minor.

Does this policy have a procedure?

No.

Related policies, procedures or forms

Submit completed form and policy to the Cabinet Member responsible for the division affected by the proposal. This section to be completed by President’s Office.

Date Implemented: 4/13/2017

Responsible Division / Author: Student Affairs / Dean of Students

Date Revised: 3/11/2022 new template