Children on Campus

University of Washington Bothell Policy Statement

Overview

The University of Washington Bothell (UW Bothell) strives to provide an environment that is conducive to teaching and learning for all enrolled students, including minors (children under the age of 18 years) who are taking part in UW Bothell sponsored or hosted activities or who are enrolled in specific classes.

The University of Washington Bothell is a diverse environment of classrooms, offices, laboratories, recreation and other common areas. Visitors to campus are welcome and encouraged. However, appropriate precautions and limitations on visitation are necessary to protect health and safety and to maintain productivity and regulatory compliance. We strive to provide an environment open to work, study and family. Safety is a primary concern when considering the presence of children on campus.

Many of our facilities are not designed for occupancy by children. Serious injuries can and have occurred to children on university campuses. Therefore, we have instituted the following policy for Student, Faculty, Staff, and Visitors to ensure the safety of minors while visiting the campus.

Policy

The parent or guardian bringing the child on campus must be responsible for direct supervision of the child at all times and has ultimate and sole responsibility for the safety and care of the child. Classroom faculty, supervisors or the administrative heads of other units have full discretion as to whether a child may be allowed to stay in a classroom, office, or study space. These individuals may require that children be removed by the parent from the setting.

Minors must not enter any areas that are clearly marked as containing potentially dangerous equipment or hazardous substances. For example, children are not permitted in laboratories and workshops (see related links below), clinical areas, chemical storage areas, construction sites, areas where minor works or maintenance are being carried out, or in any other area with significant levels of risk to a child.

Parents who have difficulties with childcare should visit the Parent Resources website to view the childcare services in the area. For additional information regarding parent resources, please go to the Parenting Student Resource Program web page.

Parent or guardian must always obtain supervisor or faculty approval to bring children into the workplace or classroom;
Children are not to be brought to campus on a regular basis in lieu of childcare;
Out of consideration for others, children should not be brought to campus if they have any signs of infectious illness;
Parent or guardian must provide close supervision at all times;
Children should not interfere with workplace or educational activities;
Children are not allowed in high-risk areas such as:
- Laboratories, shops, studios, mechanical rooms, power plants, garages, food preparation areas; any areas, indoors or out, containing power tools or machinery with exposed moving parts; UWB vehicles (see related policy links above), snow machines, grounds or other motorized equipment; any other high-risk areas (no playing in stairwells, elevators or doorways, no access to rooftops, construction zones, etc.).
Children are not allowed in classrooms while classrooms are in session unless permission is granted by the faculty member. Should a child become disruptive, the student and child may be asked to leave.
Parent or guardian must assure that children are not disruptive.

Additional Information

Contact: uwbfs@uw.edu or call 425.352.5466.

Policy Reviewers

Rolf Johnson, AAG
Caroline Shelton, Director, UW Youth Programs Development and Support
Amy Hawkins, Director, UW WorkLife and Childcare Development
UW Bothell Parent Union
UW Bothell Childcare Advisory Committee
UW Bothell OEHR

More Links