Part 1. Purpose
The Rochester Community and Technical College campus (including Winona State University-Rochester) is a diverse environment of classrooms, offices, laboratories, recreation, and other common areas. Appropriate precautions and limitations on visitations are necessary to protect health and safety; to maintain productivity and regulatory compliance; and to ensure an effective learning environment. For the purpose of this policy, a child is defined as a person under the age of 16 and is not enrolled as a Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) or Winona State University – Rochester (WSU-R) student. This policy does not include children in the PTech or CTECH programs, here for athletic events/camps, here for theatrical performances or other RCTC sanctioned events that focus or are designed for that age group or a family.
- Children are not permitted in classrooms. Exceptions may be granted, for a limited period of time, by obtaining prior approval from the faculty member responsible for the class. Children are not allowed in areas where dangerous equipment is operated and/or where chemicals, cleaning products, solvents or any hazardous products are stored or used. As casual visitors to the open campus areas, children shall not be restricted except when being disruptive.
- No employee, student or visitor to the College shall leave a child unattended at the campus, including in buildings, on campus grounds, or in a vehicle. Nor should a child be left with a college employee unless that child is enrolled in an authorized program of the College.
- Children shall not be present at an employee’s workplace (e.g., office, classroom, shop, etc.) in lieu of other childcare arrangements during the employee’s work hours. Exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis for a specified and limited period of time by appropriate supervisor or designee.
- When a child is present in the classroom or workplace, it is the responsibility of the parent/accompanying adult to ensure the children do not unduly disrupt the educational or work setting. The parent or accompanying adult assumes responsibility for any damage to property caused by the child and may be required to reimburse the institution for repair or replacement costs.
Date of Implementation: Immediate
Date of Adoption: October 14, 2005
Revision: 9/23/14, 5/18/16, 10/18/21, 5/5/2026