Information for Parents and Families

Thank you for allowing your child to participate in a Clemson University-sponsored program or activity. Programs and activities involving children are integral to our mission as a land grant institution.

Clemson University is committed to ensuring the safety of children in university-sponsored programs and activities. The University hosts a wide variety of programs and activities annually, including academic camps, sports camps, 4-H and extension efforts, workshops and conferences, to name a few.

If you have specific questions or concerns regarding your child’s participation in a Clemson University program or activity, please directly contact the Program or Activity Director. If you have questions regarding the policy or any concerns related to child abuse or neglect, please get in touch with the Pre-collegiate Programs Office (PcPO) at pcpoffice@clemson.edu or 864-656-5716.

In 2004 Clemson University enacted a set of minimum standards for university summer camps to abide by. In 2009 the Office of Summer Programs was created to manage the minimum standards and establish best practices for operating summer camps at the University. To further promote the safety, well-being and proper supervision of youth entrusted to the university’s care, the University, in 2012, implemented the Pre-collegiate Programs (or Youth Programs) Policy and the Clemson University Operating Standards for Youth Programs. The Office of Summer Programs was rebranded as the Pre-collegiate Programs Office or PcPO and charged with oversight of these efforts.

The policy and operating standards have multiple components, including a staff-screening (background check) requirements to include a review of the National Sex Offender Registry. Included are supervision requirements and restrictions on one-to-one interactions. Another vital component of the operating standards is a Child Abuse reporting obligation, which requires those working with minors to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect. Clemson University operating standards for youth programs also require mandatory “Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and Reporting” training. Program Directors and staff are trained on how to recognize signs of abuse and how to report it. These requirements are advised by common practice nationally in youth-serving organizations and higher education.

The University expects parents or guardians to provide supervision of minors on campus unless they are involved in a CU program or activity. Parents or guardians should not leave minors unsupervised on university property.