Minors on Campus Policy

Vancouver Community College (VCC; the College) is committed to ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all employees, students, and visitors to the College. The College offers many coordinated opportunities for minors to visit the College through scheduled campus events, academic and non-academic programs, or as guests of students and employees. The College regularly welcomes minors onto our campuses and seeks to ensure that both Minors and the College as an institution are adequately protected.

This policy addresses instances in which Minors may be present on VCC campuses and the guidelines that should be followed to ensure a safe environment for both minors on campus and VCC employees.

This policy applies to all College Employees, and also applies to any Students and others who are involved in organizing, operating, Supervising, or delivering College-Related Activities involving Minors, or who otherwise work with Minors in the course of carrying out their duties and responsibilities. 

This policy does not apply to Minors Enrolled as a Student. Such students will be subject to the rights, duties and responsibilities applicable to all VCC Students. This policy also does not apply to Minors attending the on-campus daycare, which has responsibility for the care of those Minors.

1. The College is committed to fostering a safe and secure environment for all individuals, but especially Minors, by ensuring appropriate safeguards and responsible supervision.


2. VCC recognizes the value of engaging with the community, including Minors, in ways that are inclusive, equitable, and aligned with our institutional priorities.


3. All College Members, including employees and students, share a collective responsibility in ensuring the appropriate presence, supervision, and conduct of Minors while on campus.


4. VCC will uphold all legal and ethical obligations related to child protection, ensuring compliance with laws and policies that prioritize the rights and welfare of Minors.


5. The presence of Minors on campus or in College-Related Activities should support and enhance the College's academic and community engagement objectives while minimizing disruption to core activities.


6. The College will proactively identify and mitigate risks associated with Minors on campus through clear policies, training, and oversight.

Authorized Adult

A College employee who has completed a Criminal Records Check and has been approved to work with minors on campus in College sanctioned events.

College-Related Activity

An activity occurring on College property, at College-sanctioned events, or under the authority of the College at another location. The activity must have a real and substantial connection to the College, or College-related functions, whether it occurs on campus, at an external location, or online.

Minor

An individual under the age of majority as set out in the Age of Majority Act.

Minor Enrolled as a Student

College Students under the age of 19 who are enrolled in a program of study or registered in credit or non-credit courses at VCC.

Participant

A Minor who may be participating in a College-Related Activity, but who is not granted the rights and responsibilities of a VCC Student.

Responsible Administrator

The College Employee who is responsible for the Department/Faculty under the auspices of which the College-Related Activity is offered.

Responsible Adult

A parent, legal guardian or other third-party adult, including but not limited to College Employees, who is responsible for escorting a Minor(s) to or from College-Related Activities or Supervising a Minor(s) while on campus or participating in activities.

Supervised or Supervising or Supervision

The provision of oversight, monitoring and direction to Minors by a Responsible Adult with a view to safeguarding the health, safety and well-being of the Minor(s).

Student

A student is a person who is, or was, registered in full-time or part-time credit or non- credit courses offered by VCC.

Unaccompanied Minor

A Minor who is under the age of 13 and present on campus without direct supervision by a Responsible Adult, and who is not participating in a College-Related Activity that provides appropriate oversight.

Legislation

Age of Majority Act British Columbia

Child, Family and Community Service Act - [RSBC 1996] Chapter 46

Criminal Records Review Act