New policy would require minors to have adult supervision on campus

Central Michigan University officials are creating a new policy that would require minors on campus to be accompanied by an adult.

"It's a trend actually that's happening at college campuses across the country," said Steve Smith, director of public relations for CMU. "Many of Michigan's universities have or are working on similar policies right now."

Mount Pleasant Public Schools partners with CMU to encourage high school students to dual-enroll, taking both high school and college courses. Many of the students who are dual-enrolled are minors.

"We have somewhere between 70 and 100 students who enroll and take classes over (at CMU,)" said Mike Pung, MPPS superintendent. "I would think they would have to allow them on campus to attend their classes. They would need to access those buildings and classes."

The school district has yet to communicate with the university on the new policy, however, Pung believes if there isn't a stipulation to allow students who dual-enroll on campus, many will choose Mid-Michigan Community College over the closer campus.

He said the chance to dual-enroll and get college credit is important to students in the area.

"It's an awesome opportunity," Pung said. "Many already have a start on their college experience. I don't know who would go with them (to class.)"

The new policy would affect campus events as well, including the Gus Macker tournament and summer math, science and band camps that are hosted throughout the summer. Smith said he does not know exactly how it would affect the children and teenagers who attend those camps because they are still in the drafting stage for the policy.

Smith said the new policy was not a reaction to any specific event that happened on campus.

"It's simply intended to address the safety and welfare of minors who visit campus, our facilities or participate in our programs," he said.

There is no set date for the policy's implementation.