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Why was Rule 1.7 Child Protection created?
- To whom does Rule 1.7 Child Protection apply?
- What types of programs fall under the Rule?
- How far in advance must a program be registered?
- Whom does Rule 1.7 Child Protection exclude?
- Who must complete Children On Campus Training and how often is it required?
- Who must complete a background check and how often is it required?
- My program has unique circumstances, and I'm not sure how to implement Rule 1.7 Child Protection. What should I do?
- How do I arrange for background checks for staff, students, and volunteers?
- What does the background check include?
- How are the background checks administered, and what is the notification process?
- If a background checks reveals a criminal record history, will the applicant be immediately denied?
- Why does Rule 1.7 Child Protection include reporting obligations?
Why was Rule 1.7 Child Protection created?
West Virginia University is enhancing the existing efforts on children's programming by sharing best practices and centralizing resources to ensure a positive and safe environment within our diverse offerings. West Virginia University is committed to providing protection of children on the University's premises or involved in University sponsored programs including West Virginia University Institute of Technology and West Virginia University Potomac State College.To whom does Rule 1.7 Child Protection apply?
The Rule applies to West Virginia University, including West Virginia University Institute of Technology and West Virginia University Potomac State College (collectively the "University"), and all Members of the University Community. “Member of the University Community” means (i) an individual engaged in any University activity or program, whether on or off campus; (ii) any individual lawfully on University property; (iii) any individual that is a University Student, Faculty, Staff, University official, University volunteer, or a University visitor; and (iv) any vendor or contractor, including that vendor’s or contractor’s employees and independent contractors, who are working on campus.What types of programs fall under the Rule?
All programs involving children under the age eighteen (18).
Examples include, but are not limited too:- Summer Camps
- Specialty Camps such as academic camps or patient camps
- Outreach activities
- Sport camps
- Workshops, conferences and educational programs
- Tutoring
- Licensed childcare facilities and programs
- Sponsored student organization activities
- Any University sponsored program on or off the University's premises
How far in advance must a program be registered?
Programs must be registered within sufficient time to meet the requirements of the rule, but recommended no later than 60 days before the program start date. Annual registration is required.Whom does Rule 1.7 Child Protection exclude?
Exclusions to this policy include programs related to or involving children at general
public events where parents or guardians are invited and expected to provide supervision
of children. Any person under the age of eighteen (18) years who is enrolled as
a WVU student.
Who must complete Children On Campus Training and how often is it required?
Require adequate training for all adults, any person 18 years of age or older, who will have Direct Contact with Visiting Children (BOG Rule 1.7; 3.3.3)- Training is required every three (3) years (BOG Rule 1.7; 3.3.3)
- Online Training: Request for online can be submitted through childrenoncampus@mail.wvu.edu
- In-Person Training: Contact childrenoncampus@mail.wvu.edu to schedule in-person training
- Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will provide yearly updates.
Who must complete a background check and how often is it required?
Requires all adults who have Direct Contact with Visiting Children be subjected to an adequate and timely background check, which means completion of a background check before an individual’s initial participation in a program (BOG Rule 1.7; 3.3.2)- Background checks are required every three (3) years (BOG Rule 1.7; 3.3.2)
- If an individual is responsible for transporting youth, then they will have a
Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) check completed yearly.
- Request needs to be submitted thirty (30) days prior to event date.
- Background Check Request For m Located online at https://talentandculture.wvu.edu/manage-and-lead/hiring-resources/hiring-of-minors
- Is to be completed by Supervisor or Designee (Must be an employee)
My program has unique circumstances, and I'm not sure how to implement Rule 1.7 Child Protection. What should I do?
West Virginia University is committed to working with all programs and are willing to help identify best practices in order for each program to participate. Please contact Cortney Simmons, Educational Outreach Specialist, Title IX and Office of Equity Assurance at childrenoncampus@mail.wvu.eduHow do I arrange for background checks for staff, students, and volunteers?
Background checks for university-sponsored programs are conducted by third party vendor, and are paid for by the university. Talent and Culture with West Virginia University administers the background check. Form must be completed by WVU supervisor or designee.What does the background check include?
The background check consist of reviewing a criminal records for the past seven years in counties where credit was established, Social Security verification, National Sex Offender Registry, Global Homeland Security (OFAC) Screening, and Nationwide Federal Criminal Check.If the individual will be driving on behalf of the University, than they will have
a Department of Motor Vehicle Check completed yearly.
How are the background checks administered, and what is the notification process?
The background check is initiated by the background check coordinator or designee through WVU’s third party vendor. Once initiated the volunteer/participant will receive an email from the third party vendor with instructions. The volunteer/participant follows the instructions contained in the email and logs into a secure website where he/she will enter all necessary information.
The third party vendor will send out an email to the background check coordinator once the background check is complete. If the background check is clear, the background check coordinator will notify the program coordinator to proceed with placement of volunteer/participant.
If the background check is not clear, the background check committee will meet to discuss the issues utilizing the background check guidelines per the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Once this process is complete the volunteer/participant and program coordinator will be notified of the outcome.
If a background checks reveals a criminal record history, will the applicant be immediately denied?
No. If a background check reveals a criminal record history, the applicant will be
notified and their application will be reviewed for evaluation consistent with
university policy.
Why does Rule 1.7 Child Protection include reporting obligations?
Each member of the university community and those participating in children on campus programs share a responsibility to report by West Virginia Code § 49-2-803.
Anyone making a report should first notify Program Director in Charge then together report to the following:
- Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1-800-3
52-6513
- 9-1-1 or Local Law Enforcement:
Law Enforcement Options:
- University Police Department 304-293-2677
- West Virginia State Police, Crimes Against Children Unit 304-293-6400
- University Police Department 304-293-2677
- You must make a Report through the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
website at
titleix.wvu.edu
James Goins, Jr.
Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Equity Assurance
Road Suite 250
P.O. Box 6202
Morgantown, WV 26506
Phone: 304-293-5600
Fax: 304-293-8279
Website: childrenoncampous.wvu.edu