Summer is near and the lifting of COVID restrictions means that campus and academic programs for minors will be ramping up. The University of New Mexico is proud to host aspiring academics and scholars of all ages to programs hosted on campus. It provides an opportunity for young Lobos to witness what UNM has to offer and excite them towards higher education.

With these opportunities comes a great responsibility to ensure that minors on campus are safe. The University of New Mexico takes this responsibility seriously and has policies in place to make certain the programs and participants are secure. 

Please refer to University Administrative Policy 2205 which governs requirements for hosting minors on campus. 

Important Information:

It is required that program leaders of a youth program sponsored by a university department, college or school must submit a Minors On Campus Registration Form (see Registering Minors on Campus below).

Authorized adults are required to submit to criminal background checks (see Background Checks below).

Forms and Links

  • Exhibit A: Minor Participant Waiver and Notice of Risk Form
  • Exhibit B: Minor Participant Emergency Contact and Medical Release Form
  • Exhibit C: Photography Release
  • Exhibit D: Mandatory Camp Checklist

All “Program Leaders” and “Authorized Adults” are required to complete appropriate training (see Training below).

Third-party vendor or other non-University organization or individual that uses University facilities to conduct a program or activity with minors pursuant to an approved contract with the University (see External Organizations below).

Make sure to stay up-to-date on appropriate Covid Protocols required on UNM’s campus (see Covid Protocols below).

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Registering Minors on Campus
A “University Program” means an activity for minors (1) operated or sponsored by a University department, college, or school, (2) during which the University assumes responsibility for the care and custody of the minors.  

“University Program” does not mean:

  • Activities in which minors are supervised by parents, guardians, chaperones, or third parties
  • Kindergarten through 12th grade groups visiting campus as members of campus tours
  • Patrons of educational or entertainment events or activities, such as at Popejoy or the Duck Pond
  • Human subjects research involving minors conducted under the oversight of an institutional review board
  • Recruitment activities in large group settings

Program leaders (the person primarily responsible for the management, oversight, and implementation of a University program for minors) must obtain from each minor’s parent or guardian:

  • a signed copy of the Minor Participant Waiver and Notice of Risk Form (Exhibit A), 
  • the Minor Participant Emergency Contact and Medical Release Form (Exhibit B), and
  • the UNM Photo Release Form (Exhibit C).

Program leaders should ensure that the ratio of adults to minor program participants follow the American Camp Association ratios:

  • 5 years and younger: 1 staff for every 5 overnight campers and 1 staff for every 6 daytime campers
  • 6–8 years: 1:6 for overnight, and 1:8 for daytime
  • 9–14 years: 1:8 for overnight and 1:10 for daytime
  • 15–18 years: 1:10 for overnight and 1:12 for daytime

Program leaders must ensure compliance with the requirements in the Mandatory Camp Checklist. See Exhibit D.

Background Checks
Authorized adults are required to submit to criminal background checks and should submit the background check request form from Human Resources.  When completing the background check form select package C. “Authorized adults” are individuals who are responsible for the care and custody of, or who might have unsupervised interactions with, minors in University programs.

Training
All “Program Leaders” and “Authorized Adults” are required to complete appropriate training which includes:

  • Basic warning signs of abuse or neglect of minors.
  • Guidelines for protecting minors from emotional and physical abuse and neglect.
  • Requirements and procedures for reporting incidents of suspected abuse or neglect or improper conduct.
  • A code of conduct for interacting with minors.

Training is offered via EOD 489 on Learning Central at https://hr.unm.edu/training/minors-on-campus/index.htm

External Organizations 
Third-party vendor or other non-University organization or individual that uses University facilities to conduct a program or activity with minors pursuant to an approved contract with the University must:

  • Establish a contractual relationship with the University for the use of facilities or resources;
  • Identify a contact person or agent who will coordinate with the University;
  • Ensure that their staff has undergone background checks; and

Provide evidence of one-million dollars ($1,000,000) of general liability insurance coverage that lists “the University of New Mexico” as an additional insured party. This insurance may be purchased through the State Risk Management Department's Tenant Users' Liability Insurance Program. 

Covid Protocol
As of March 21, 2022, mask wearing and proof of vaccination at indoor events is optional for UNM venues to choose to enforce. If venues, or event organizers, choose to require proof of vaccination, please refer to UNM’s training on how to properly check vaccine cards. If a venue is not requiring mask use or proof of vaccination, but the event organizer wishes to do so, they may.

Additional Information
Contact Francie Cordova, chief compliance officer at fcordova3@unm.edu or Blaine Moffatt, compliance coordinator at bmoffatt@unm.edu.​