The Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) initiated interim revisions to the university policy pertaining to Activities and Programs with Minor Participants to provide guidance for units that are using virtual delivery, an aspect previously not covered by the policy.
The updated interim policy was approved by the president’s cabinet and took effect May 12, 2020.
The policy outlines what is required of adults who work in activities and programs with minors, and informs individuals of their reporting obligations in instances of known or suspected child abuse or neglect of minors.
The Office of Institutional Equity had planned to undertake a full revision of the Minors policy this year in accordance with the university policy process, which suggests a review at least every five years. (The policy was last revised in 2015.) Due to the unexpected need to revise the policy on an interim basis, OIE will complete the full revision process, including soliciting university-wide feedback, within the next 18 months.
Should you or anyone in your unit have questions or need guidance, please direct them to our Director of Youth Protection, Ryan Brownfield, at minorspolicy@osu.edu or 614-292-1404. As always, thank you for your continued partnership in ensuring the protection of minors.
Additional guidance on best practices for virtual programs will be forthcoming.