Events Involving Minors

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

Events that involve unaccompanied minors require additional planning and supervision in accordance with MIT’s Protection of Minors policies. Student organizations planning an event involving minors must consult with 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: minors.mit.edu has comprehensive guidance on planning in-person programs involving K–12 students and minors at MIT.
• Reserve program spaces: Ensure that all classrooms, event spaces, dining areas, etc., needed for the event are reserved in advance through the appropriate channels.
• Complete and submit the MIT Programs Involving Minors Risk Assessment Form.
• Email SOLE to schedule a Meeting to review your program plans, compliance steps, and required documentation.
  • All required documentation must be submitted via the DocuSign workflow; these may include:
    1. Parent Consent and Liability Waiver – required for all participating minors.
    2. 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 are required for all individuals, including both MIT and non-MIT participants, including those in virtual-only roles, who will interact with minors over more than a one-day period. 

At least one month before the program:

• Volunteer compliance forms: all MIT volunteers interacting with minors must complete the Minors Code of Conduct form.

Mandatory Reporting Responsibilities

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

• Report the concern immediately 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.