Children on Campus

St. Mary’s University campus grounds and buildings are designed to provide an environment conducive to academic and occupational activities performed by students, faculty, staff and guests. For safety reasons, and to limit the disruption of University activities, operations and services, the University cannot accommodate minor children in unsupervised circumstances on campus. Additionally, there are specific areas where minor children are never allowed.

The purpose of this policy is to set out appropriate conditions, locations and situations where children are allowed on campus and to establish supervisory authority and accountability in regard to the policy.

Definitions:

Children: Minor under the age of 17 (non-St. Mary’s University student).

Supervised: Being in a situation or location where an adult is providing direct care and attention to the child’s health, safety, and welfare. Participating in individual campus visits, open houses, or activities related to recruitment of prospective students, as well as conferences and meetings sponsored by University departments, offices or organizations that bring high school students to campus for specific purposes.

Unsupervised: Being in a situation or location where an adult is not providing direct care and attention to the child’s health, safety, and welfare.

Campus Grounds and Facilities:

Unsupervised children are not allowed to play in or on campus grounds, roam campus buildings, or sit unaccompanied in campus buildings or benches on the grounds.

Anyone finding an unaccompanied/unsupervised child on campus facilities or grounds shall contact the University Police (436-3330) for assistance in locating the parent or guardian of the child.

Classrooms and Offices:

Children must be supervised at all times. Visits of children to campus must not interrupt classroom or office environments. Concerns of repetitive visits or other issues must be addressed in the classroom by the faculty member for the course, and in offices by direct supervisors.

Areas Off Limits to Children:

Due to safety and health hazards, some areas of the campus are off limits to children unless prior arrangements have been made with the appropriate sponsoring department and approved by the appropriate University vice president, or department chair for use of academic space. These areas include, but are not limited to:

• The fountain in front of campus
• Construction areas
• Facilities Services/Shop areas
• Theatre and music stage and backstage areas
• Student Health Center
• All academic computer, engineering and other labs
• Chemical storage areas
• Mechanical rooms/housekeeping storage areas
• All kitchens
• Drainage ditch
• Vehicles owned and operated by the University

Questions about this policy should be addressed to the Vice President for Administration and Finance.