Policy for Children on Campus (Students) - Student Equity Unit

(For students with family responsibilities)

This Policy affirms the existing positive practices within Monash and recognises that provision for students with family responsibilities is a fundamental prerequisite for achieving equality of educational and employment opportunity.

The University recognises that family responsibilities are industrial and educational matters which are not confined to social or private realms of life but are the concern of the University community as a whole.

While family responsibilities affect both men and women, the University is also aware that in the main, the burden of child care remains in practice with women. The adoption of the University's Policy and Provisions for Children on Campus thus forms part of its Affirmative Action initiatives for women, along with other provisions such as Leave to care for Dependants, Maternity and Paternity leave, Special leave etc.

Victorian legislation makes it unlawful to discriminate in education or employment, directly or indirectly, against a person on the grounds that a person is a parent or childless. The Sex Discrimination Act (1992) amendments prohibit dismissal on the grounds of family responsibilities.

Staff and students may seek advice on child care suitable to their needs from the Head of Family and Child Care Service.

Provisions for Children of Students on campus:

The following guidelines have been developed to protect the interests of children of students of the University community and the University:

The University recognises that despite the range of child care options available to students through the University and the wider community, that there may be the need for students to bring their children to classrooms or lecture theatres.

Responsibilities of Parents

Requests should be made (preferably in advance) to the relevant Lecturer and should be reasonable in the circumstances.

Students should be sensitive to the needs of colleagues and should not expect others to care for their children. When bringing children into the University the needs of other students should be recognised and respected.

Child(ren) with or without an adult, will not be permitted to remain in areas where there are safety hazards. Hazardous areas may include Laboratories, Dark rooms, Workshops, Plant rooms, Food preparation areas, Printing and maintenance workshops, areas where chemicals are stored, areas where machinery is used and any other areas designated by the Zone Occupational Health and Safety Committee.

Child(ren) brought into the University must be under the direct supervision of an accompanying parent or caregiver at all times. Responsibility for all aspects of the child's behaviour should rest solely with the parent.

Child(ren) will be permitted to accompany their parents to the Library, Student Union, Student Services or other non teaching areas subject to particular regulations relating to Safety Hazard areas mentioned above. Parents or caregivers must ensure that other users of these facilities are not unreasonably inconvenienced by the child(ren)'s presence.

Responsibilities of Staff

Requests by students to bring children to a classroom or lecture theatre shall be treated sympathetically and no reasonable request refused.

Factors to be considered when granting permission to bring children on campus may include the age of the child(ren), the environment (location, size of area), and the degree of possible interference with other students and staff.

The length of time and frequency of visits may be arranged between the staff member and student.

A Lecturer may request a student to remove a child if his or her presence is disruptive to other students in the classroom or study areas.

Resolution of Problem or Disputes

Monitoring, intervention and resolution of any problems or disputes rests with the relevant staff member concerned and their supervisor.

If a matter is unresolved, the Head, Family and Child Care Service or the Co-ordinator, Work Life and Family Unit may be involved to conciliate the matter, in consultation with the relevant Lecturer or Head of Department or Administrative Unit, and thereafter be dealt with via the appropriate University procedures.

Approved by Equal Opportunity Committee, 15th December 1994.