Protection of Minors Policy

Safeguarding the Dignity and Safety of Young Participants in Academic Life

The University of Rzeszów is deeply committed to cultivating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all individuals engaged in its academic, research, and outreach activities, with particular attention given to minors who participate in these initiatives. This commitment reflects the University’s broader mission to uphold human dignity, foster inclusive excellence, and ensure that all participants in university life are protected from harm.

As part of its educational structure, the University oversees the Stanisław Barańczak Bilingual University High School in Rzeszów functioning as an integral part of the University’s structure. In addition, the University maintains active collaboration with numerous primary and secondary schools in Rzeszów and across the Podkarpacie region. Events such as Open Days, subject-specific olympiads, and sports competitions are regularly hosted on campus, welcoming large numbers of school-aged participants.

Consequently, the frequency and scope of interactions between University staff and minors are significantly greater than might be expected in a typical academic setting. This reality underscores the importance of a robust and clearly articulated Protection of Minors Policy, which governs all such engagements.

Policy Foundations and Legal Alignment

The University’s Protection of Minors Policy is grounded in internationally recognized standards and national legislation, including:

Scope and Application

This policy applies to all University activities involving individuals under the age of 18, including:

  • educational programmes and workshops,
  • cultural and public events,
  • research projects involving minors,
  • internships, mentoring, and outreach initiatives.

It encompasses all members of the University community, that is, faculty staff, students, volunteers, and external collaborators, who may come into contact with minors in the course of their professional or academic duties.

Core Principles

The University of Rzeszów upholds the following principles in its approach to child protection:

  • Zero tolerance for any form of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of minors.
  • Respect for the dignity, privacy, and autonomy of every young person.
  • Transparency and accountability in all interactions involving minors.
  • Prompt, confidential, and responsible response to any concerns or allegations.

Responsibilities and Procedures

To ensure effective implementation of child protection measures, the University has entrusted the Office for Equal Treatment, the Rector’s Representative for the Protection of Minors, and the Standards for the Protection of Minors (SOM) with overarching responsibility for all matters concerning the safety and well-being of minors within the academic community. Their duties include:

  • Reviewing and responding to reports of misconduct involving minors.
  • Providing training and guidance to staff and students on child protection protocols.
  • Ensuring that all programmes involving minors are subject to thorough risk assessment and appropriate supervision.
  • Maintaining secure and confidential records of incidents and investigations.

Any member of the University community who suspects or witnesses inappropriate behavior involving a minor is obliged to report the concern immediately to the Office for Equal Treatment or to the designated Rector’s Representative for Equal Treatment.

Training and Awareness

The University organizes mandatory training sessions on child protection, which include:

  • recognizing signs of abuse or neglect,
  • understanding appropriate conduct when working with minors,
  • fulfilling legal obligations and following reporting procedures.

Participation in these sessions is mandatory for all individuals directly involved in programmes or research activities that include minors.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

The Protection of Minors Policy is subject to periodic review and refinement, informed by evolving legal standards, institutional experience, and feedback from stakeholders. The University of Rzeszów remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a culture of vigilance, empathy, and responsibility in all matters concerning the safety and dignity of minors.