Children in the On-Campus Workplace or Learning Environment Policy

Responsible Unit: Human Resources | Executive lead: CHRO 
Created: 10/22/2018 | Reviewed/Revised: 2/16/2023 | Effective: 2/16/2023 
Compliance: NWCCU 2.F.1 
Approving Body: PAC | Classification: Institution-wide 

Policy:  
PNWU values an on-campus environment that fosters a healthy work-life balance. When possible, PNWU could honor an employee’s or student’s request for flexibility to meet unexpected family needs which requires the employee’s/student’s attention during work/learning hours. The University encourages supervisors to cooperate with employees who need to meet a family responsibility by using breaks or lunch hours, flexible work schedules, and/or adjust hours or vacation time.  

Children of employees/students are allowed in the workplace/learning environment for infrequent, brief visits (generally not longer than two hours) or to participate in University programs and events within the following parameters: 

  • Employees and students must have prior approval before bringing the child to the workplace. 
  • The child must remain under parental/guardian supervision, within sight and sound of the parent or guardian at all times. 
  • The child’s presence must not disrupt the work or learning environment or negatively impact productivity. 
  • The employee’s supervisor may ask the employee or a Student Affairs’ designee may ask the student to remove the child if there is a potential health or safety issue or if the child’s presence is disruptive. 
  • Bringing children to the workplace/learning environment on a recurrent basis during school breaks, in place of child care, or before or after school is not allowed. 
  • Children who are sick are not allowed in the workplace/learning environment. 
  • Children are prohibited from entering hazardous areas such as laboratories and construction areas. 

If a situation arises that necessitates an employee/student having a child in the workplace/learning environment for more than a few hours, the employee must get approval in writing from their supervisor and the student must get approval in writing from Student Affairs. 

Definitions:
A child is an individual under the age of 18 years who is not a student or employee of the University.  

Procedure: 
N/A 

Related documents: 
N/A 

Policy Resources

For assistance with policies and procedures contact:

Lori Fulton
lfulton@pnwu.edu