Protection of Minors
Policy
Wake Forest University strives to provide a safe campus environment for all individuals visiting University properties or participating in University programs. The purpose of this policy is to provide information about the mandatory reporting of Abuse, Neglect, or Crimes against Minors and requirements related to oversight of Minors participating in University or Externally-Sponsored Programs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Compliance
Every member of the University community who interacts with minors and all individuals who host or sponsor University or Externally-Sponsored Programs involving minors should know this Policy. In addition to carefully reviewing the policy, the following steps should be taken to ensure policy compliance:
Step 1: Program Registration
If using a University event space, the Program Sponsor is required to register the program using the University’s Event Management System, DeaconSpace. During the registration process, the Program Sponsor will be asked to attest whether the program involves minors and, if so, that the requirements of this policy have been met, including required background checks. Externally-Sponsored Programs should coordinate their requests with a University representative who serves as the primary point of contact for an external group.
Step 2: Required Background Screenings
All individuals who interact with minors must complete required background screenings. Non-student University employees have already satisfied this requirement as part of their pre-employment screenings. Program Sponsors can request volunteer and student background screenings by completing the Volunteer Background Screening Request Form. Externally-Sponsored programs are required to satisfy the same criminal background screenings required of University-Sponsored programs, but may use an external vendor to complete these screenings.
Step 3: Virtual Training Module
A Virtual Training Module is available and encouraged for individuals working with University Programs involving Minors through Workday Learning. The Program Sponsor is responsible for providing training information to individuals who are expected to interact with minors. Training is available to Externally-Sponsored Programs by contacting Human Resources at askHR@wfu.edu.
Mandatory Reporting Child Abuse or Neglect
Every member of the University community is required by North Carolina law to report known or suspected instances of Abuse, Neglect, or Crimes against Minors. The mandatory reporting requirement applies whether or not the abuse involved University personnel or a University Program. In these circumstances, two reports must be made, one external and one internal.
Related Policies & Procedures
- Policy on Use of Space by External Groups
- Recruitment and Selection Policy
- Title IX & Non-Title IX Sexual Misconduct Policy & Grievance Procedures