Minors on Campus: Underage Students at Community Colleges

Fall
2006
Topic
General Concerns
Committee
Educational Policies Committee

In addition to recommendations regarding the involvement of faculty in developing board policies related to the admission and enrollment of minors, this paper includes recommendations for mandated reporter training regarding child abuse for all faculty and clear notification of faculty when there are minors in their courses. The Academic Senate should work with the System Office for legal clarification on issues of liability related to having minors enrolled on campus and bring the work of the 2003 Minors in Higher Education Task Force to the Consultation Council for review and consideration of further action.

Recommendations

  1. The Academic Senate for California Community Colleges should bring to the Consultation Council the recommendations of the 2003 Minors in Higher Education Task Force for review and consideration of further action (see Appendix B).
  2. The Academic Senate should continue to work with the System Office on a legal advisory to clarify issues of liability related to having minors enrolled on campus.
  3. Districts should ensure that faculty are informed as to minors enrolled in their courses.
  4. Districts should provide mandated reporter training regarding suspected child abuse to all faculty.
  5. Local senates should ensure that faculty are aware of current board policy regarding enrollment of minors and the authority of the instructor in the classroom.
  6. Local Senates should work with the governing boards of their colleges to develop clear policies for the enrollment of high school students and other minors in college courses. Such policies should make clear the possible limitations on enrollment, the right of the instructor to refuse to accept a minor in the course, rights of the parent to student records, and the fact that the minor is entering an adult environment and that curriculum and college processes will not be changed to accommodate the minor.
Publication file