Protection of Minors on Campus: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who must comply with the Protection of Minors on Campus policy?
A: All University faculty, staff, volunteers, interns and students, as well as outside third parties (including contractors) who are authorized to use University facilities or properties
Q: Whom do I contact with questions about the Protection of Minors on Campus policy?
A: For questions, contact the Office of Risk and Compliance at Compliance@uncfsu.edu or 910.672.1043
Q: Do I have to register my camp/ program with minors?
A: All Programs must be registered and approved by Fayetteville State University prior to the initiation of any activity involving minors.
Q: What is the link to the Protection of Minors on Campus registration form?
A: Protection of Minors on Campus - Protection of Minors Registration View (highq.com)
Q: When does the program need to be registered?
A: 90 days before the first day of camp.
Q: What is Direct Contact?
A: Direct Contact is defined as having one-to-one contact (personal, unsupervised interaction between any adult and minor participant without at least one other adult present), and/or contact with minors through care, guidance, control or supervision, and/or the time period is long enough to develop an intimate relationship with a minor.
Q: If a student is working in a program involving minors does the student need any training?
A: Yes. All faculty, staff, volunteers, and students who are involved in FSU run or affiliated programs or activities involving minors must be trained. See Training under the FSU Protection of Minors site or contact the Protection of Minors on campus office for assistance.
Q: What are the consequences for violating the Protection of Minors on Campus Policy?
A: Violations of the Policy may result in disciplinary action for any FSU employee, whether paid or volunteer, up to and including termination of employment. Violations may also result in discontinuation of the program or banning of the program from use of FSU facilities.
Q: Is it okay to give a minor program participant access to my social media page, my personal email, and/or personal telephone number?
A: Do not engage or communicate with minors through email, text messages, social networking websites, Internet chat rooms, or other forms of social media at any time except and unless there is an educational or programmatic purpose, and the content of the communication is consistent with the purpose of the program and available to all program participants.
Q: Who is exempt from background check?
- A: Volunteers, employees, or administrative staff who do not have direct contact with minors because they do not provide care, supervision, guidance or control of minors and do not have routine interaction with minors.
- Student volunteers/hosts/guides for events where participants are enrolled students.
- Staff and volunteers working at events/facilities open to the public or where parents/guardians accompany minors.
- Staff and volunteers hosting some campus tours, visitation programs or field trips where no overnight stay is required and there is no direct contact may be exempt.
- Contact the Protection of Minors on campus to ensure your program is exempt.
Q: How do I arrange for background check for my camp staff/ volunteers
A: Upon successful completion of the PMOC Exam, Compliance will send the Program Applicant a criminal background check authorization. Background checks will not be processed until successful completion of the exam.
Q: Who do I contact in the event of a medical emergency or other program questions?
A: In the event of a medical emergency dial 911. When the situation is under control, make a report at Protection of Minors on Campus - Incident Involving a Minor (highq.com)
Q: Is it appropriate for minors to work in a laboratory setting?
A: Yes, if minors are engaged in laboratories or research activities, seek advice on appropriate training and protocols.
Q: Who enforces the Protection of Minors on Campus policy?
A: The Office of Risk and Compliance will enforce this policy in conjunction with the appropriate office of FSU. In accordance with applicable law and University policy, the Office of Risk and Compliance reserves the right to check and monitor compliance with this policy by conducting site visits, requesting documentation, and/or conducting a formal audit.
Q: Do I need a parking permit during the summer?
A: Parking regulations are enforced at all times. All Fayetteville State University students, employees and guests must register their vehicles to drive and park on campus. A vehicle is considered registered only when a valid FSU parking permits is displayed. Students, employees and guests with a handicap placard or a valid handicap license plate must display a current FSU parking permit and the HC placard. Visitors must obtain a temporary parking permit to avoid citations.
Q: Who is mandated to report abuse or neglect of a minor?
A: Both as a matter of FSU policy and North Carolina state law, any member of the FSU community, including students, who knows, reasonably suspects, or has receive information that a minor has been abused or neglected by a parent, guardian, caregiver, or staff member, or is otherwise unsafe, has an absolute obligation to report to the appropriate County Department of Social Services.
If an individual is unsure whether to report suspected abuse or neglect of a Minor, that individual may discuss the decision with the Protection of Minors Coordinator,
Q: Am I protected if I make a report?
A: North Carolina law provides that anyone who makes a report in good faith or who participates in an investigation by the Department of Social Services will be protected from any criminal or civil liability that might arise from the individual’s report or participation. University policy prohibits retaliation against anyone who makes a good faith report of abuse or neglect with regard to the terms and conditions of University employment or educational activities.
Q: What if I do not make a report?
A: North Carolina law makes it illegal to not report child abuse. Any person or institution that has reason to suspect that a child is abused, neglected or dependent, or died as the result of maltreatment, must report it.
Failure to Report Gen. Stat. § 7B-301: Any person or institution who knowingly or wantonly fails to report the abuse as required, or who knowingly or wantonly prevents another person from making a report as required, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
