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Protecting Minor Students in University Settings

Over one thousand undergraduate students at the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ are under the age of 18. These minor students are in classrooms, libraries, labs, residence and dining halls, sports fields, and many other campus settings. Ìý

Minor students are exceptional in many ways, and yet have less life experience than their adult peers. There are laws that protect minors in ways that may impact their participation in campus activities and services.

If you interact regularly with students, consider the tips below to support and protectÌýminor students’ safety and well-being during their time at Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ:​

All Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ employees and volunteers are legally required to report suspected abuse or neglect of anyone under the age of 18 to . If suspected abuse or neglect of a minor occurs within a University program or involves a Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ employee it must also be reported to the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Youth Protection Coordinator.

Note: These actions must be taken in addition to Civil Rights, Title IX, or Clery reporting actions. ​

The obligation to make a report of suspected abuse may override FERPA and other privacy and confidentiality agreements. InformÌý minor students about the limits to privacy and confidentiality as it relates to your responsibilities as a mandated reporter.Ìý​

Parents and guardians still have a responsibility for their minor child’s safety and welfare, even if that child is a Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ student.ÌýIf you believe a minor student is at risk, consider ³¦´Ç²Ô³Ù²¹³¦³Ù¾±²Ô²µÌýtheir parents or guardians.​

If you’re unsure about disclosing information due to FERPA privacy requirements, consult with the .​

For additional safety planning support, contact SafeCampus.

​When minor students areÌýin labs, shops, studios, makerspaces,Ìýor other settings that contain hazardousÌýmaterials or equipment, safety restrictions apply.Ìý

Students aged 16-17 may qualify for a learner exemption, but younger students face stricter limitations. Refer to the ,Ìýpp. 23-24 section “i.â€� or contact EHS (ehsdept@uw.edu) for more information.​

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Activities for adult students can pose unique risks to minors. Adjustments can help minors safely participate. ​

Potentially risky settings include:​

  • Residential or overnight stays off campus​
  • Presence of alcohol or drugs (including those that are legal)​
  • Shared locker rooms or showers​
  • One-on-one closed door meetings​
  • Travel to remote ±ô´Ç³¦²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô²õÌý

ContactÌýÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Youth ProtectionÌýto discuss risk mitigation strategies.

Keep in mind: Minor students cannot enter into legal contracts,Ìý so include additional signature lines for parents and guardians in addition to the minor student’s signature. Learn more about Ìý(AOR).

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​Minors can access some healthcare services like birth control and substance abuse treatment without parental consent. However, services such as immunizations, STI screening, and mental health treatment may require parental consent depending on the minor’s age. For more details, refer to the [Husky Health staff access only], or .Ìý

Consult with Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Youth Protection or with other experts on adolescent health practices as needed to build capacity within your team to serve minor students and to ensure that your team meets any specific credentialing requirements and protocols.​