Maricopa Community Colleges offers programs to high school students who want to transition early to college-level coursework. By earning college credit while still in high school, students can save on tuition and easily transfer their credits to a two-year degree program. The MCCCD programs are as follows:
- Dual Enrollment: This program offers college-level courses on the high school campus. Dual Enrollment allows students to get high school and college credit at the same time. This program can help save on tuition costs later and improve the odds for academic success. Dual Enrollment is offered in conjunction with local high schools.
- ACE (Achieving a College Education): This is a nationally recognized, scholarship-based program to help eligible students earn up to twenty-four (24) transferable college credits before high school graduation.
- Hoop of Learning: This program helps reduce the economic and cultural barriers Native American students may face while providing new experiences and connections with other Native students.
- Concurrent Enrollment: This program offers college-level courses on the college campus of the student's choice and is usually initiated before the student graduates high school. Students get a feel for the college experience and earn college credits.
THIS GUIDANCE IS SPECIFIC TO MINORS ON CAMPUS
| QUESTIONS | ANSWERS |
|---|---|
| WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MINOR AND AN UNDERAGED STUDENT? | Minor: an individual under the age of seventeen (17) years, who is participating in a "covered activity." This typically applies to college programs such as extracurricular camps and other activities sponsored by and/or held at the college. Underaged: an individual under the age of seventeen (17) year, who is enrolled in the college or has been accepted for enrollment. FERPA rights have transferred to students once they matriculate to post-secondary. |
| WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MINOR'S SAFETY WHILE PARTICIPATING IN A COVERED ACTIVITY? |
The college is responsible for the custody, control and supervision of the minor for the duration of the "covered" program/activity. • A program or activity is considered "covered" if it is sponsored or approved |
| HOW DO WE AVOID POTENTIAL EXPOSURES OR RISKS WHILE MINORS ARE ON CAMPUS? | Movement around campus should be planned/scheduled, supervised and as restricted as possible. Minors face risks on campus because of ease of access, ability to find privacy, and lack of control. Be mindful of A minor's access to unlocked buildings, restrooms, bus stops, unknown individuals, etc. |
| WHAT ABOUT EXPOSURE TO INTERNET CONTENT AND SOCIAL MEDIA? |
The Community College Library is open to the public and falls under the First Amendment right to Free Speech. Access to the Internet and social media should be planned, scheduled and restricted to avoid any potential risks. Social media posts of minors participating in District/College activities are not allowed unless you have consulted the Marketing Department at your college or at the District Office. |
| WHAT IF A STUDENT SELF-DISCLOSES CONCERNING PERSONAL INFORMATION? | If a minor makes comments or makes a report of abuse/neglect, or if you have reasonable suspicion that child abuse/neglect is occurring, we have a statutory requirement to report the suspected behavior to the Campus Police Department within 24 hours. |
| HOW IS UNDERAGED DRINKING AND DRUG USAGE HANDLED? | MCCCD Administrative Regulation 2.5.2 prohibits the use, possession, manufacturing or distribution of illegal or controlled substances, including alcoholic beverages and public intoxication. Violators are subject to the disciplinary sanctions outlined in Article IV of the Administration Regulations and with State Law, enforced by the Campus Police Department. Minor children are subject to the same sanctions with underage being an additional factor. Parents will also be notified of alcohol-related issues with minors participating in college programs and activities. |
| HOW DOES TITLE IX APPLY TO MINOR STUDENTS? | Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law intended to end sex discrimination in all areas of education. Title IX applies to educational program equity, such as in athletics, and also to sexual discrimination/harassment/assault. Minor children are covered under Title IX. If a minor discloses a possible violation, the college employee has the responsibility of reporting it to the Title IX Coordinator of the College. |
| HOW DO WE HANDLE OFF-CAMPUS EVENTS? |
If the off-campus activity is part of the scheduled camp or program approved by the college, it is an extension of the on-campus program/activity. The parent or legal guardian has placed their minor child in the care of the college for the duration of the program/activity, therefore the college is responsible for the custody, control and supervision of the minor on or off campus. All applicable laws must be observed at all times, i.e.: Child Passenger Safety Laws and Highway Safety Laws. Rules should be established for authorized drivers and authorized vehicles -always have an alternative method of transportation in case of an emergency |
| HOW ARE MEDICAL ISSUES OR SPECIAL NEEDS HANDLED? | Campus employees must evaluate the medical/special needs of minor children as a part of the registration process to ensure that we can provide the help needed for their enjoyment and success in the program/activity. No medicine should be distributed by program directors or employees. Some exceptions apply. Consult Public Safety and the Office of General Counsel. |
| RESOURCES | MCCCD: Title IX MCCCD: FERPA MCCCD: Legal Services |
“The Maricopa County Community College District is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.”