The Youth Protection Oversight and Governance Structure recognizes that while safeguarding minors on campus is a shared responsibility, certain individuals hold elevated roles in managing this institution-wide risk. These designated roles are essential for ensuring that all youth interactions affiliated with the University of Maryland occur in a safe, supportive, and compliant environment.
Youth Protection Management Oversight
The Youth Protection Compliance Manager, Megan McWilliams serves as the University of Maryland’s subject matter expert and central point of contact for activities or programming that involve non-matriculated individuals under the age of eighteen. The Youth Protection Compliance Manager:
- Establishes policies and standardized procedures for centralized program management;
- Chairs the Youth Protection Steering Committee;
- Maintains a youth activity registry for all university affiliated programs involving minors;
- Tracks youth activity details, participant information and compliance status;
- Communicates the Maryland Department of Health regulations and UMD/USM policy requirements, resources and training to stakeholders across academic and administrative units;
- Leads compliance assessments, including addressing violations for registered youth activities;
- Oversees required criminal background checks and Child Protective clearances.
University Governance Roles and Responsibilities
Authorizing Unit: The university’s school/college/division responsible for authorizing the operation of UMD youth activities and third-party youth activities affiliated with their school/college/division.
Examples: The College of Behavioral Sciences, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dining Services, Conference & Visitor Services, Athletics, School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation
Youth Protection Advocates: Individuals in various offices with particular stakes or expertise in engaging with minors. They make up the Youth Protection Steering Committee.
Youth Protection Steering Committee: Chaired by the Youth Protection Compliance Manager and includes the Youth Protection Advocates. This committee meets monthly until FY28 and then will meet once each semester.
Youth Protection Designees: University of Maryland, College Park employees designated by the Dean, VP or Executive Director of each office, division, school or college (i.e., the authorizing unit) operating or otherwise affiliated with UMD youth activities or third-party youth activities.
Authorization from a Youth Protection Designee is needed for all Youth Activities.