The Protection of Minors Committee (POMC) is responsible for ensuring Lehigh University fully complies with its Protection of Minors Policy and by extension the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the United States. POMC meets on an as needed basis throughout the year to review compliance progress and issues. The Committee will oversee aspects of compliance including, but not limited to:
- Align the policy and its implementation, including language regarding third party vendor requirements;
- Document oversight roles and responsibilities for key protection of minors’ processes;
- Create and maintain a centralized registration process for events with minors.
- Maintaining records regarding background checks and other requirements of the Protection of Minors Policy
- Tracking background checks of all employees as well as students who interact with minors on Lehigh’s campus
- Track compliance with training requirements of all employees as well as students who interact with minors on Lehigh’s campus
Questions for members of the POMC may be directed to the committee's central email address: inpomc@lehigh.edu.
POMC members have a variety of knowledge related to this charge, including managing programs involving minors, managing and coordinating events and programs on campus involving outside organizations, and risk management. They also have networks of peers in related fields to consult with.
Faculty and staff preparing for a program that involves minors should contact a member of the POMC during the initial planning stages to review the requirements for such a program to comply with the Protection of Minors Policy. The following positions will be permanent members of the committee. POMC may consult with other representatives from campus, as needed.
|
Position |
Current Staff Member |
Role |
|---|---|---|
|
Director of Risk Management |
Kim Nimmo |
Chair |
|
Risk Management Analyst |
Lynn Takacs |
Member |
|
Director of the Community Service Office |
Carolina Hernandez |
Member |
|
Director of Academic Outreach, Provost Office |
Jill Forrest |
Member |
|
Director of Facilities and Events in Athletics |
Allen Biddinger |
Member |
|
Director of Conference Services |
Mary Kay Baker |
Member |
|
Business Manager, Zoellner Arts Center |
Jennifer Mack |
Member |
Faculty and staff preparing for a program involving minors should begin the process of compliance as far in advance as possible. The POMC review process must be initiated several months before any such program details need to be completed.
For more information about the POMC, read the full Committee Charge.