Event Information and Policies
| A minor is defined as a non-MIT individual that is 17 years of age or younger. MIT is committed to protecting the safety of all members of its community, including minors who are on campus and/or participating in Institute programs. MIT’s goal is to provide a safe environment that protects children from abuse or neglect by encouraging its earliest possible detection and reporting. |
| General information about in-person programs for K-12 students and minors at MIT can be found at: http://minors.mit.edu. |
| Events Involving Minors Policies |
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| All individuals engaged in activities involving minors, whether in-person or online, are required to undergo background checks at least 2 months prior to the date of the event. A SOLE Office staff member will follow up via email once all necessary background checks for the event have been completed. |
| All MIT faculty, staff, and students participating in an event involving minors are required to take the Protection of Minors at MIT Training through the Atlas Learning Center at least 5 business days prior to the date of the event. |
| All non-MIT individuals serving as event volunteers must complete the Minors Code of Conduct Form at least 5 business days prior to the event date. |
| Anyone participating in an event involving minors who knows, suspects, or receives information about potential abuse or neglect is required to email minors@mit.edu. Under Massachusetts law, certain individuals are considered mandated reporters and may have additional obligations. Contact the SOLE Office at sole-events@mit.edu and minors@mit.edu for guidance. |
| In an emergency, call 911 or MIT Police. |
| Event Criteria for Background Check Exceptions |
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| A one-day event where at least two MIT adults are always present with each group of minors (e.g., guest lecture, presentation, demonstration). This applies to both in-person and online events. This exception does not apply to multiple one-day events within the same academic year involving the same adults. |
| An event where parents and/or guardians attend with their participating minor(s). |
| An event where external organizations provide their own chaperones (e.g., school field trips). |
Event Registration Process
| 1. Event Host must complete the MIT Programs Involving Minors Risk Assessment Form at least 2 months prior to the event date. |
| 2. Event Host(s) must schedule a meeting with the Assistant Director of Student Organizations and Programming in the SOLE Office at least 1 month prior to the event date. |
| 3. Event Host must collect signed Parent Consent Forms and Liability Waivers through the DocuSign platform from the parents/legal guardians of all minors who will be participating in the event at least 1 business day prior to the event date. Event Host(s) must also collect signed Photo/Media Release Forms if photos/videos of minors are to be taken during the event. The Assistant Director of Student Organizations and Programming will provide the Event Host with access to all applicable forms via the DocuSign platform in advance of the event date. |
| 4. Event Host must register the event via the Atlas Event Registration System at least 10 business days prior to the event date. |
Associate Director, Student Organizations & Programming
ghsoares@mit.edu
Assistant Director, Student Organizations & Programming
sofia993@mit.edu
E: sole@mit.edu
P: 617-253-6777
Student Organizations, Leadership & Engagement
77 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA, 02139
