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Policy on Children in the Workplace- Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for children in the workplace in order to minimize potential liability to the University, risk of harm to children, and decreased employee productivity due to distractions and disruptions. - Authority
Virginia Code Section 23-9.2:3, as amended, grants authority to the Board of Visitors to establish rules and regulations for the institution. Section 6.01(a)(6) of the Board of Visitors Bylaws grants authority to the President to implement the policies and procedures of the Board relating to University operations. - Definitions
Minor children – persons under the age of 18 - Scope
This policy applies to all employees and volunteers. Employees include all staff, administrators, faculty, full- or part-time, classified or non-classified persons who are paid by the University. - Policy Statement
Old Dominion University believes in an environment that is conducive to work; therefore, the workplace shall not be used in lieu of childcare. Office and work space is not designed with the safety of children in mind. There are safety hazards and possible university and supervisory liability in the event of accident or injury. Although the University strives to be a family-friendly environment, it is not appropriate to bring children to work as a substitute for making arrangements for regular childcare while at work. Minor children and family members are not prohibited from being in the workplace during university-sponsored events intended for children and/or families or community participation. - Procedures
There may be occasions when brief visits by minor children are necessary. These visits are at the supervisor's discretion and the employee should receive prior permission before bringing a minor child to the workplace. In these circumstances, children will be the responsibility of the employee while in the workplace. Supervisors may make an exception for a temporary, unforeseen emergency, but no employee may have a child in the workplace without the supervisor's permission or use the workplace as an alternative to childcare or for any other purpose. As necessary, supervisors may grant leave or flexible hours, at their discretion, in order for employees to deal with emergency or unforeseen circumstances. - Employees and supervisors must consider issues of safety, confidentiality, disruption of operations, disruption of services, disruption to other employees, appropriateness and liability posed by the presence of the minor children in the workplace.
No minor child may ever be allowed into an area that is potentially hazardous. Children exhibiting symptoms of potentially contagious illnesses shall not be brought into the workplace.
- Responsible Officer
Director of Human Resources - Related Information
University Policy 6202 – Telework Policy
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