Frequently Asked Questions

• Why has the University of Denver adopted this policy?

  The University has adopted the Protection of Minors on Campus Policy to provide guidance for those in the University community who participate in programs or activities that involve minors. The primary goal of the policy is to promote the well-being and safety of minors who participate in programs run by or associated with the University. The policy also clarifies responsibilities and provides guidance and support to help those who work with minors manage problems and avoid mistaken allegations.

• I’m not involved in any programs involving minors at DU. Does the policy apply to me?

  If you are not involved in any programs or activities involving minors, most of the provisions of the policy will not apply to you. Everyone, however, is expected to 1) review the signs of abuse and neglect of minors, 2) help to protect the safety and well-being of minors with whom they may interact, and 3) report known or suspected abuse or neglect of a minor. The policy does not apply to personal activities that are apart from your role or responsibilities as a student, faculty member or staff member, but the guidance provided by the policy may be helpful and important in non-University contexts.

• How do I know if my situation is an “activity or program involving minors”?

  To determine whether your situation fits the definition of a University Program, we suggest applying the three-prong test. Is it an activity or program that is operated by the University of Denver? Is there at least one minor participant in it? Are parents and guardians not expected to be responsible for their children during activity or program? If the answer is yes to all three questions, look to the Protection of Minors on Campus Policy to determine next steps. If the answer is no to any of these questions, the Policy generally does not apply. Any requests for clarification as to whether a particular program or activity is subject to the policy should be sent to the Office of Risk Management.

Reporting Obligations

• When might I need to make a report under the policy?

  If you are participating in a program or activity involving minors and you know, suspect, or receive information indicating that a minor has been abused or neglected or is otherwise unsafe, you must make a report. 

  Find Information on Signs of Abuse and Neglect

• How do I make a report to the University?

  To make a report, contact Campus Safety by calling (303) 871-3000.  You may also report through the DU Compliance and Ethics Hotline at 303-871-7439 (anonymous reports are accepted).

• What if I’m not sure whether a minor I’m working with has been abused or neglected?

  If you encounter a situation in which you are uncertain or feel uncomfortable, contact Campus Safety, which can assist you and your supervisor or program director in determining what to do. If you have any suspicion that a child has been abused or neglected, report it—even when you have doubts, it is better to report your suspicions than to ignore them.

• What training am I required to have in order to participate in a program involving minors?

  All individuals working with minors in University programs or activities are required to complete training as required by the Protection of Minors on Campus Policy and certify that they have reviewed the Working with Minors Guidelines.  (See the Forms and Resources page for more information on how to access required Training). The Working with Minors Guidelines provide helpful tips for maintaining a safe and positive environment when working with minors, advice on signs of child abuse and neglect, and steps to take if you suspect that a minor has been abused or neglected.

   

• I’m a student participating in a program involving minors. Do I need any training?

  Yes. All faculty, staff and students who are involved in a University-run or -affiliated program or activity involving minors must complete training as required by the Protection of Minors on Campus Policy and certify that they have reviewed the Working with Minors Guidelines.  See the Forms and Resources page for more information on how to access required Training.

Background Checks

• Why is the University requiring criminal background checks prior to participating in activities involving minors?

  The University is committed to promoting the well-being and safety of children who participate in University programs or activities and in programs that outside organizations deliver on campus. Criminal background checks may reveal prior convictions that would make it inappropriate for someone to participate in a program or activity with minors.

• Who is required to have a criminal background check?

  Directors and supervisors of programs involving minors, those who stay overnight with minors, and those who regularly spend time alone with minors as part of their job responsibilities or role in a program involving minors must successfully pass a background check prior to their participation in University-run or -affiliated programs or activities involving minors.

• I am operating a program involving minors. How do I arrange for background checks for my staff?

  Human Resources & Inclusive Community oversees the processing of criminal background checks for University employees participating in University Programs and activities.

  University Financial Services oversees the processing of criminal background checks for Special Community Members participating in University Programs and activities. 

• My department routinely hires residential or administrative staff at the last minute to ensure adequate supervisory ratios in our University Program(s). Can they work pending the results of the background check?

  Yes, as long as the background check process has been initiated prior to the commencement of the University Program. Employment status will continue to be contingent on the results of the background check.

• I am the President of___and our mission is centered on educating and mentoring local high school students. Are members of my student organization subject to the Protecting Minors on Campus Policy requirements of background checks and training?

  Student Organizations are provided access to the required training course “Shine the Light” and are encouraged to take it in conjunction with annual requirements to maintain eligibility of their recognized status by the University. Students are not subject to background checks unless employed or working in a University Program.

External Programs Operating on the University Campus

• I would like to host a non-university program involving children on the DU campus. What do I need to do in order to do so?

  Non-University organizations that wish to operate programs or activities involving minors on campus must comply with the University’s Protection of Minors Policy, including requirements relating to reporting suspected abuse or neglect of minors, completing all relevant training, and background checks.

  Prior to the start of any program or activity involving minors, Non-University organizations must:

  1. certify that they have conducted criminal background checks of their employees, volunteers, and representatives that meet the University’s standards and notified the University of any background check that returned a conviction or other adverse information;
  2. and certify to the University that all individuals who will be interacting with minors have received the University’s Guidelines for Working with Minors.

  University units that wish to host non-University programs for children on campus should contact the Office of Risk Management well in advance of the program’s anticipated start date for further information about the procedures for ensuring that outside organizations meet these requirements.