9.15 Protection of Minors

MIT is committed to protecting the safety of minors (anyone under the age of 18 not matriculating at MIT) who are on campus or participating in Institute programs.  A program is any organized event or activity that MIT operates or sponsors in which minors participate, and in which MIT faculty, staff, or students are involved through their Institute roles, whether occurring on or off campus. MIT staff, faculty, and students  involved in a program for minors are responsible for understanding and complying with the procedural requirements outlined on the Protection of Minors website, including those related to program registration, training, safety, background checks, and reporting of abuse or neglect. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in suspension or termination of the program as well as disciplinary sanctions.

9.15.1 Supervision of Minors

All minors must be supervised by MIT employees who have completed a background check including faculty, staff, postdoctoral associates, graduate students, or other appropriate employees.  Undergraduate students and non-MIT employees (such as postdoctoral fellows, independent contractors, or temporary employees) may not serve as supervisors of minors.  Programs organized and approved by the Student Organizations, Leadership and Engagement Office have specific rules for activities led by MIT students, which are addressed in the Student Organization Handbook.

9.15.2 Reporting of Abuse or Neglect

Anyone participating in an Institute-run program or activity involving minors who has reasonable cause to believe that a minor is suffering from abuse or neglect by a caregiver or by a member of the MIT community is expected to immediately inform the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) as well as their MIT supervisor or program director when it is safe and appropriate to do so.  Reports of suspected abuse or neglect should also be made to minors@mit.edu.  The MIT Police, Cambridge Police Department, and Boston Police Department are available to assist with such reports.

This subsection also applies to the suspected abuse or neglect of MIT students under age 18.

For more information, please review the Protection of Minors website.

MIT’s policy on minors working at MIT as employees or interns is  in the Employment Policy Manual Section 1.6.