Boston College is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all minors participating in University-sponsored programs. The Protection of Minors (POM) registration process is a critical component of that commitment, providing oversight and accountability for individuals who supervise or interact with minors. 

The Responsible Dean or Vice President bears primary responsibility for each Program sponsored within their school or division, including the designation of a Program Director. The Responsible Dean or Vice President must appoint a Program Director for each Program and ensure that the individual is empowered to carry out all duties associated with the Program.

While the Program Director need not regularly report directly to the Responsible Dean or Vice President, the Responsible Dean or Vice President must ensure that the Program Director is granted clear authority and direct access to report on matters related to Program procedures, resources, and compliance with this Policy.

 

Role and Responsibilities of the Program Administrator: A Program Administrator is designated to oversee compliance for University-sponsored programs involving minors and to ensure adherence to the University’s Protection of Minors (POM) requirements.

The Program Administrator must complete a Program Registration Form for each program, obtain approval from the sponsoring Dean or Vice President, and submit the approved form to pom.admin@bc.edu at least 30 days prior to the program start date.

Through the POM tracking system, the Program Administrator monitors the status of all Authorized Adults and ensures completion of the required Personal Information Disclosure Form, Protection of Minors training, and background check prior to participation. The Program Administrator must communicate these requirements to program personnel, monitor compliance, and notify the POM office at least two weeks before the program begins of any individuals who are not eligible to participate.

Authorized Adult: An Authorized Adult is an individual approved under this Policy to supervise minors participating in a Program. All University students, employees, and volunteers serving in this role must comply with the requirements outlined in the section titled “Individuals Acting as Authorized Adults.” A parent or legal guardian may supervise their own minor children while visiting campus, but may not serve as an Authorized Adult in a Program, including one in which their child participates, unless they meet these same requirements.

 

Registration for Specific Types of Programs:

The Following Requirements must be completed as part of the registration process

  1. Complete a Program Registration Form  for each program involving minors and send it to the Program’s sponsoring Dean or Vice President for approval. 

  2. Send the approved Program Registration Form directly to pom.admin@bc.edu. The Program Registration Form must include the following:
    1. Authorized Adult Disclosure Forms
    2. Criminal Background Check Authorizations
    3. Certified Photo IDs for each Authorized Adult

 

Faculty and Staff looking to host minors on campus must follow the BC Research Lab Volunteer On-Boarding Checklist, which includes requirements for both the supervising researcher and volunteer.  Please note: The form must be completed 30 days before you expect the volunteer to start. In the case of summer volunteers, please start the process no later than June 1st  in order to ensure on-time completion.   Minors can only join a research group as part of an approved protection of minors program that has been previously set up with HR and approved by the appropriate Dean. 

Key Steps include:

  1. The supervising lab head must complete the  Research  Lab Volunteer Intake Form
  2. The parent or guardian of the volunteer must complete, sign, and return the Medication and Emergency Treatment Authorization Form to Peter  Marino (peter.marino@bc.edu)
  3. The supervising lab head and all group members need to complete Steps 1 & 2 of the protection of minors training on the  CSI Splash Page  .
  4. The supervising lab head and all group members must register with HR on the  BC HR Protection of Minors Database.
  1. Faculty or staff looking to host minors on campus must complete a Program Registration Form for each program involving minors and send it to the Program’s Dean or Vice President for approval.
  2. Send the approved Program Registration Form directly to pom.admin@bc.edu.
  3. Collect from parents/legal guardians and retain within your area the Medication and Emergency Treatment Authorization Form for all minors participating in the program prior to participation. 

Non-University organizations sponsoring Programs that use University facilities shall be required to execute and deliver a Facilities License and Indemnification Agreement prior to Boston College authorization to make use of Boston College facilities.

All Non-University Sponsored Programs must complete all requirements outlined by the Boston College Event Management Office. Visit the Event Management Homepage for additional details and to contact an event planner.

Key Registration steps are outlined in the Non-University Sponsored Program Registration Checklist, which includes:

  • Execution of Agreement
  • Insurance
  • Background Checks
  • Training
  • Self-Disclosure
  • Communication Plan
  • Medical Emergency Plan
  • Supervision Plan
  • Transportation Plan

 

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