Protection of Minors Policy
From its inception, Ȧ College has prided itself on its commitment to community and responsible citizenship, and our campus was envisioned as a space with “no walls or gates, for we want the world to enter.” Throughout the academic year and over the summer, visitors of all ages participate in Ȧ community educational programming, outreach, courses, community events, and faculty and student research. As we endeavor to build an even broader, more inclusive campus community, we must also recognize the importance of safety, especially for the most vulnerable among us.
Minors — those under 18 years of age — require special care and attention. This policy outlines responsible and prohibited conduct required of all Ȧ community members interacting with minors. It covers appropriate behavior, misconduct, supervision, training, reporting requirements, procedures, and additional obligations. These guidelines are meant to support positive experiences for minors at Ȧ and to encourage the confidence of parents and guardians. These guidelines also reflect Ȧ’s continuing efforts “to strengthen the inclusiveness, health and well-being of our community” as outlined in Ȧ’s Strategic Plan.
These guidelines apply to all Ȧ College faculty, staff, students, volunteers and on-campus partners. Adherence to these guidelines will strengthen our community and help to ensure that the College provides a healthy and welcoming environment for everyone who visits our campus or benefits from our programs.