Over one thousand undergraduate students at the UW are under the age of 18. These minor students are in classrooms, libraries, labs, residence and dining halls, sports fields, and many other campus settings.
Minor students are exceptional in many ways, and yet have less life experience than their adult peers. There are laws that protect minors in ways that may impact their participation in campus activities and services.
If you interact regularly with students, consider the tips below to support and protect minor students’ safety and well-being at UW:
All UW employees and volunteers are required by law to report suspected abuse or neglect of any person under the age 18 years old to Child Protective Services or the police. Suspected abuse or neglect of a minor occurring within a University program or by a UW employee must also be reported to UW SafeCampus.
Note: These actions must be taken in addition to Title IX or Clery reporting actions.
The need to make a report of suspected abuse may override FERPA and other privacy and confidentiality agreements. Communicate with minor students the limits to privacy or confidentiality as it relates to your responsibilities as a mandated reporter of suspected abuse or neglect.
Parents and guardians still have a responsibility for their minor child’s safety and welfare, even if that child is a UW student. If you are concerned that a minor student is in a situation where there is a risk to their health, safety, or well-being, consider contacting their parents or guardians.
- Consult with the University Registrar regarding FERPA privacy requirements if you are unsure if you can disclose information about a student to a parent or guardian.
- Contact SafeCampus for support in providing additional safety planning.
Restrictions apply when minor students are present in labs, shops, studios, makerspaces, or other settings that contain hazardous materials or equipment.
Minor students aged 16-17 may qualify for a learner exemption, but restrictions apply for younger minors. Refer to the Laboratory Safety Manual, pp. 23-24 section “i.” Contact EHS (ehsdept@uw.edu) for more information.
Common activities for adult students can present unique risks to minors. Making basic adjustments can allow them to safely access opportunities.
Examples of settings that can present unique risks include:
- Residential or overnight stays off campus
- Presence of alcohol or drugs (including those that are legal)
- Shared locker rooms or showers
- One-on-one closed door meetings
- Travel to remote locations
Keep in mind: Minor students typically cannot enter into legal contracts, like a waiver or acknowledgement of risk. When using these forms with students include additional signature lines for parents and guardians to sign on the minor student’s behalf. Learn more about: Minor waivers and acknowledgments of risk (AOR).
Consult with the Office of the Youth Protection Coordinator for more tips.
Some healthcare services, such as birth control and substance abuse services, can be obtained by minors without parental consent. Depending on the age of the minor, parental consent is required for certain healthcare services including immunizations, STI screening, mental health treatment, and other medical services. Learn more in the Hall Health consent for care-minor consent policy, or UW Medicine Informed Consent Manual.
Keep in mind: In some cases, medical and mental health services require specific credentials and protocols for serving adolescents (clients under age 18). Build capacity within your team to effectively serve minor students. As needed, consult with the Office of the Youth Protection Coordinator or with other experts on adolescent health practices and protocols.