Events Involving Minors

MIT is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of its community, including minors—individuals under the age of 18 who are not enrolled at MIT. Student organizations that plan events involving minors must comply with Institute policies designed to protect minors and ensure a positive experience.

Some events may involve unaccompanied minors (individuals under 18 who will not be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or designated adult chaperone). These events require additional planning and supervision in accordance with MIT’s Protection of Minors policies.

Student organizations planning an event involving minors must consult with Student Organizations, Leadership, and Engagement (SOLE) well in advance to discuss the application and approval process.

Step-by-Step Timeline

At least three months before the program:

• Review Guidelines and Requirements: Visit minors.mit.edu for comprehensive guidance on planning in-person programs involving K–12 students and minors at MIT.
• Reserve Program Spaces: Ensure that all spaces needed to run your program (classrooms, event spaces, dining areas, etc.) are reserved in advance through the appropriate channels.
• Submit the SOLE Risk Assessment Form: Complete and submit the MIT Programs Involving Minors Risk Assessment Form.
• Schedule a Meeting with SOLE: To review your program plans, compliance steps, and required documentation, email SOLE to schedule a meeting.
  • Initiate Required Documentation via DocuSign: At your meeting with SOLE, begin the DocuSign workflow to collect required forms, which may include:
    • Parent Consent and Liability Waiver – Required for all participating minors.
    • Photo/Media Release Form – Required only if photos or videos will be taken during the program.

At least two months before the program:

• Ensure Completion of Required Training: All MIT faculty, staff, and students involved in the program must complete the Protection of Minors at MIT training.
• Begin Background Check Process:
  • Background checks must be completed for all individuals (MIT and non-MIT) participating in the program, including virtual-only roles.
  • Background checks are required for all individuals, including both MIT and non-MIT participants and those in virtual-only roles, if the program involves unaccompanied minors and is either recurring (occurs on multiple dates) or spans more than one calendar day.

At least one month before the program:

• Volunteer Compliance Forms
  • All MIT volunteers interacting with minors must complete the Minors Code of Conduct.

Mandatory Reporting Responsibilities

Any program participant who knows, suspects, or receives information about abuse or neglect of a minor must:

• Report the concern to their supervisor.
• Email details to minors@mit.edu.
• In an emergency, call 911 or MIT Police at 617-253-1212.

Some individuals may be mandated reporters under Massachusetts law and have additional legal responsibilities. For guidance, contact the SOLE Office or email minors@mit.edu. 

Events Eligible for Modified Requirements

Some events may be eligible for modified requirements and may not need to meet the full criteria outlined above. Event hosts must still consult with SOLE in advance to confirm whether their event qualifies.

• Events with Parent/Guardian Attendance: Events where each participating minor is accompanied by their parent or legal guardian for the full duration of the event.
• Events with External Chaperones: Events where external organizations (e.g., schools, camps) bring minors to campus and provide their own adult chaperones. Chaperone ratios can be found at minors.mit.edu.
  • MIT event hosts must still register the event and coordinate with SOLE to ensure appropriate oversight and communication protocols.
• One-Day Events with Supervision by MIT Adults: A single-day event where at least two MIT-affiliated adults are always present with each group of minors. Examples include guest lectures, presentations, or demonstrations; this applies to both in-person and online formats.
  • This exception does not apply to multiple one-day events within the same academic year involving the same adults and minors.
  • All supervising adults must complete MIT’s Protection of Minors training in advance.