Unit leaders across campus will be asked next month to review and confirm that all children-related activities and events from their areas comply with U-M’s Children on Campus Program.
MORE INFORMATION
- Children on Campus
- Standard Practice Guide 601.34
- Contact Kate Rychlinski at kmrychli@umich.edu or 734-763-1587
A list of unit programs and events will be included in an email message from Risk Management Services, which provides oversight for the Children on Campus Program, and unit leaders are asked to complete their review by Dec. 31.
The Children on Campus Standard Practice Guide — SPG 601.34 — applies to all children-related U-M programs and events, or events held by others at university facilities. All U-M administrators, employees, students and volunteers who work with children are required to comply with the policy, which covers the Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses as well as Michigan Medicine.
Policy requirements include:
- Unit registration with the Children on Campus Program of all university programs and events serving children.
- Criminal background screenings for authorized adults who have supervisory responsibilities or direct interactions with children participating in activities and events.
- Completing standardized forms, such as permission slips, codes of conduct, transportation forms and medical authorizations, by parents or legal guardians of any children participating in U-M activities.
- Special training requirements for all authorized adults working with children.
- Reporting obligations for criminal activity, medical emergencies and suspected abuse or neglect of children.
“The objective of the Children on Campus Program is to create a positive environment that promotes the health, wellness, safety and security of children participating in programs and events at U-M,” said Kate Rychlinski, assistant director of Risk Management Services.
“And following the requirements of the Children on Campus Program is one of the key ways that departments can help protect children who are taking part in U-M activities and programs, both on and off our campuses.
“We’ve had a great response across the university, with nearly 800 events and activities registered, but we’re really working to make sure that all programs and events are included.”
Employees who work or volunteer with children’s programs at the university are encouraged to read the SPG and look through the Children on Campus website.
The website is designed to be user friendly and allows units to register their events, download standardized forms, and use a variety of other resources, including training materials and checklists.
It also has a parents and guardians special section, which offers tips and suggestions on how to choose the best program for children and a list of registered U-M programs. Rychlinski is available to conduct onsite training, answer questions and provide more information about the program if units prefer that approach.
“We want children participating in U-M activities to have an enriching and fun experience whether it’s in a lab or on an athletic field,” Rychlinski said. “And, just as importantly, it’s imperative that their parents or legal guardians know that we’ve got a robust system in place through the Children on Campus Program to not only protect their children, but also train our employees and volunteers on how to best work with kids and ensure their safety and security while helping them have a great time at U-M.
“I really want to thank all of the units across U-M that have made a concerted effort to register their events, comply with the other facets of the policy, and protect the kids for whom we’re responsible.”
