The University of Georgia offers numerous programs and activities for non-student minors including camps, clinics, after-school programs, enrichment activities, mentoring, and research opportunities. Programs and activities may be University-sponsored or held by third parties in University facilities. These programs and activities benefit both the University and the larger community, and are integral to the University’s mission as a land-grant and sea-grant institution.
The safety and well-being of visitors to our campuses is of the highest concern. The University of Georgia is committed to best practices that will provide a safe and healthy environment for all who participate, volunteer, or work in minor programs and activities. The Policy for Programs and Activities Serving Minors updates current guidelines and procedures and aligns with Board of Regents Policy 6.9.
This site is designed to serve as resource on the Policy for members of the University community and those responsible for coordinating minor programs and activities.
New: Two new resources have been created to provide safety of minors guidance to program leaders and staff. The Missing Minors Guide provides instruction on how to correctly handle the situation if a minor is missing from where they should be. The Youth Mental Health Support Guide provides guidance on supporting a minor who is having a mental health issue. Program leaders should review and use these guides as needed to support their minor participants.
Important: A Guide for Best Practices has been created. This guide is designed for minors program leaders and their staff to provide information on several key planning and operational areas including Medical and First Aid, Safety and Security, and Residential Programs. The Guide is available here: Best Practices Guide.
Training Opportunities:
Sessions will be offered this fall to provide an overview of the protection of minors Policy. "Protecting Minors on Campus: An Overview of the University Policy and Best Practices for Safe Programs" will be offered twice through Learning & Development. Once the fall schedule is released, you can register for these courses with Learning & Development at https://hr.uga.edu/pep/.
An ancillary policy for minors protection has been implemented. The Policy on Minors (not Acting as Students/Employees) in Research Laboratories, Clinics, and Animal Facilities aims to ensure the safety and security of minors by designating when they will be allowed to perform research in University laboratories, greenhouses, clinic areas, or animal facilities. All employees who work with minors in laboratory settings need to review and follow this policy.