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Youth Protection

Our team works with units across campus to provide a safe, welcoming and engaging environment for youth on our campus and participating in WVU programming.

(New!) Youth Programming Policies and Guidelines

ENCOURAGING THE GROWTH, EDUCATION AND BELONGING OF ALL CHILDREN

Led by the WVU Board of Governor's Governance Rule 1.7: Rule on Child Protection, our office provides resources, guidance and support to those involved in planning, providing support for or participating in WVU sponsored youth programs. Due to the expanding gallery of resources and to help navigate for what you are looking for, we have broken resources down into the following audiences:

Program Directors

This page includes resources and guidelines for youth program directors planning/hosting a WVU youth program.

Program Director Resources

Staff and Volunteers

This page includes resources and guidelines for any adult or staffing/volunteering for a WVU youth program.

Staff/Volunteer Resources

Parents and Guardians

This page includes resources and guidelines for those sending their child to a WVU youth program.

Parent/Guardian Resources

Mission

West Virginia University is committed to the protection of youth participating in programs and activities on campus, as well as in WVU-sponsored off-campus events. In furtherance of this commitment and consistent with Board of Governors Rule 1.7, the Division of Campus Engagement and Compliance will:

  • Stay informed on developments impacting youth protection in West Virginia and nationally;
  • Be an active resource for WVU units planning to host programs involving visiting children (“youth participants”), in an effort to create a positive, safe experiential learning environment for youth participants;
  • Partner with Host Units to ensure they develop, implement and regularly review guidelines for the supervision and safety of youth participants; and
  • Facilitate an adult authorization program to ensure that adults who have Direct Contact with youth participants have undergone required background checks and training.

If you have questions about youth protections or programming at WVU, please contact us at:

Division of Campus Engagement and Compliance
Phone: (304) 293-5600
Fax: (304) 293-8279
Email: youthprotection@mail.wvu.edu

Why do we have Youth Protection?

We exist to make youth participants safer while engaging in WVU programs. We also want to help WVU community members who are administering those programs to comply with relevant laws and WVU policy.

To do this, we provide training, educational resources, and coordinate efforts across the University to establish guidelines and best practices that promote the safety of youth engaged in WVU programs, activities, events and research. Our services are guided by nationally recognized best practices, federal and state laws and regulations found within West Virginia University.

Each year, thousands of youth interact with WVU through a variety of programs and events both on and off campus, so West Virginia University’s leadership is committed to ensuring that youth who engage with the university are protected from harm. West Virginia University welcomes youth and their families as members of the University community with the expectation that everyone will have a safe, enriching and inclusive experience.


Read the University's Rule on Child Protection