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Campus Programs for Minors

Contact

Mayte Alvarez 
Compliance Coordinator
713-221-8639
cpfm@uhd.edu

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Campus Programs for Minors

The Minors on Campus program is overseen by the Office of Human Resources. As part of the transition, we are conducting a survey to gather information from those directly involved in hosting camps and programs for minors on the UHD campus.

Campus Programs for Minors Survey

By completing this survey, you play a crucial role in upholding our standards of excellence and ensuring a positive experience for all involved. We appreciate your commitment to helping us ensure the safety and well-being of minors participating in UHD camps and programs.

 

About

The University of Houston-Downtown is committed to providing a safe and meaningful experience for minors that are engaged in campus programs that not only meet the minimum legal requirements but also reflect the exceptional quality of programming presented by the UHD community.

What is a Campus Program for Minors?

Campus program for minors are university sponsored events and activities that typically include all of the following program elements:

  • The age of the participation group is made up of individuals that are 18 or under
  • The group is not comprised of current UHD students
  • The individuals assuming the care, custody, and/or control of the participants are UHD faculty, staff, students, non-UHD third party vendors, or volunteers
  • The length of the program is two or more consecutive days

Policies and Regulations

SAM 05.C.01 Campus Programs For Minors
The UH System policy developed to both:
  • Ensure that Campus Programs for Minors are conducted in a manner that is as safe as possible
  • Comply with the legal requirements of Texas Education Code § 51.976
Texas Education Code § 51.976
Requires individuals who will have contact with minors at certain limited campus programs to receive specific training and testing on preventing sexual abuse and child molestation. The training must be documented on the Campus Program for Minors Information Form and forwarded with supporting documentation to the Coordinator of Campus Programs for Minors. The coordinator will provide written and dated notice to the Program Operator of approval to conduct the program.
Section 51.967
The section of the law that specifically addresses the training and examination on warning signs of sexual abuse and child molestation for employees of camp programs for minors.

 

Safety

Reporting Child Abuse or Neglect

As required by Family Code Chapter 261, any person having cause to believe that a child's physical or mental health or welfare has been adversely affected by abuse or neglect must immediately make a report to:

  • Any local or state law enforcement agency
  • The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
  • The state agency that operates, licenses, certifies, or registers the facility in which the alleged abuse or neglect occurred
  • The agency designated by the court to be responsible for the protection of children

Immediate Threat to a Minor

Any employee or volunteer who suspects that an incident of child abuse or neglect has occurred or is likely to occur as a part of a Campus Program for Minors or within the university environment must immediately notify their supervisor, the Program Operator, and/or the Coordinator for Campus Programs for Minors, so that any immediate response required to assure the safety of minors can be taken. This obligation is in addition to the duty to report suspected child abuse under Texas law and Section 5.3 of SAM 05.C.01. Any report made under Section 5.3.1 should also be reported to the campus police department (of campus where incident took place) and General Counsel.

If there is no immediate threat to the health or safety of a minor and the reporter wishes to remain anonymous, the matter should be reported as soon as possible at the Fraud and Non-Compliance Hotline website or by calling the Fraud and Non-Compliance Hotline at 1-866-843-4379. This obligation is in addition to the duty to report suspected child abuse under Texas law and Section 5.3 of SAM 05.C.01.

 

Register a Campus Program for Minors

If you are interested in hosting a campus program for minors or if you have any questions about such programs at UHD, please review our checklist for registering a Campus Program for Minors and contact:

Mayte Alvarez
Compliance Coordinator 
One Main Building, Suite S910
Telephone: 713-221-8639
CPfM@uhd.edu

To get the process formally started, you will need to complete these steps:

  1. Submit for a background check through the Office of Human Resources (conducted annually)
  2. Complete sexual abuse and child molestation training
    • Employees and volunteers should email CPfM@uhd.edu to request access to training.
  3. Register program with the State of Texas