As the westernmost institution in the UNC system, Western Carolina University provides
educational opportunities to residents of the state’s western region and attracts
students from around the globe to explore the area’s vast resources.
At Western Carolina University, we view our admissions process as our opportunity
to build the community that defines our institution. We look for people eager to explore
and ready to redefine success.
Programs and courses at Western Carolina are designed to provide hands-on, applied
experience. Students engage with communities across the region as they practice their
profession in real-world environments.
Western Carolina’s unique mountain location helps fuel a vibrant campus community
with more than 170 student clubs and organizations as well as a busy performing arts
calendar and the campus’s own adventure guide service.
Western Carolina is home to 16 Southern Conference athletic teams with more than 375
student athlete competitors. WCU strives to inspire student-athletes to compete like
champions on the field and in the classroom.
Western Carolina was founded to serve the region it calls home, and that has not changed.
WCU continues to focus on regional development initiatives, engaged service and community
programs. It also partners with alumni and donors to ensure access to higher education
for deserving students in the region and beyond.
Laboratories are common sources of hazardous activities involving chemical, biological,
and radiological risks, high-pressure activities, electrical hazards, lasers, and
other dangerous equipment. Due to their lack of experience, restrictions are placed
on minors to help ensure a safe and educational laboratory experience. The Minors in Laboratory Program is implemented by the Safety & Risk Management Office to ensure that minors under
the age of 18 are protected from exposure to potentially hazardous materials and equipment.
Registered WCU students under the age of 18: The Minors in Laboratory policy does NOT apply to students under the age of 18 enrolled
in a laboratory course as a registered WCU student. A registered student receives
laboratory safety training as part of the course requirement.
University Policy #126 - Protection of Minors on Campus: WCU has implemented standards and procedures for the protection of minors participating
in programs or activities that are under the control or direction of the University,
regardless of location. University Policy # 126 stipulates the approval process in
place for accepting minors on campus and the requirement for criminal background checks
for WCU personnel supervising or working directly with the minor(s). Departments
should review University Policy #126 to determine applicability and initiate background
checks, liability waivers, training, and parental consent requirements administered
through WCU’s Legal Department prior to submitting any additional approval forms (described
below) to the Safety and Risk Management Office.
In addition to University Policy #126, minors under the age of 18 are NOT permitted
in University laboratories, or office spaces located inside a laboratory area, except
in the following situations:
Approved for observational events only such as a laboratory tour or demonstration.
The minor will not have any hands-on activity in the laboratory.
Approved laboratory work for an officially sanctioned group education program (i.e.
science camp, science fair, open house event, etc.).
Approved laboratory work while participating in research or clinical activity (i.e.
mentoring program for a high school student conducting research).
Minors in the laboratory must be under direct supervision and closely monitored by
a trained and knowledgeable employee at all times.
As used in this program, “laboratory” refers to any part of a building used by the
University for scientific or technical activities which may be hazardous, and includes
teaching laboratories, research laboratories, visual art studios, theatrical scene
shops, and other shop areas where hazardous chemicals, machinery, and tools are stored
and/or used. This program also applies to field work locations where approved educational
activities are conducted.
Non-University students under the age of 18 who are touring a laboratory for observational
purposes only, must be under the direct supervision of the faculty member responsible
for the laboratory or a designated lab employee who is trained and knowledgeable of
the laboratory’s hazards. Prior to allowing minors to tour a lab, the supervising
employee must conduct a safety orientation and require strict adherence to personal
protective equipment (PPE) and safety policies. Tour participants may not conduct
any research or clinical activities or be present during an activity with the potential
for exposure to hazardous materials.
Observational Event Approval Process:
Approval from the faculty member responsible for the laboratory and the Department
Head is required. Approval documentation is retained by the supervising department.
Approval documentation is NOT required by the Safety and Risk Management Office for observational tours or demonstrations.
Non-university minor students under the age of 18 who are working in the laboratory
as part of an officially sanctioned education program such as a group science camp
or other hands-on laboratory activity is permitted.
To protect the health and safety of the participating minor, adult supervisors must
adhere to the following guidelines:
The sponsoring faculty must receive approval from the Department Head using the Laboratory Minor Approval Form. When signatures are obtained from the responsible parties, the form is submitted
to the Safety and Risk Management Office for review.
The sponsoring faculty must follow all relevant safety and compliance requirements
and adhere to the approved supervisory plan. The sponsoring faculty may act as the
minor’s direct supervisor or designate another faculty or staff member to serve in
that role.
The supervising employee must conduct a lab specific safety orientation and require
strict adherence to personal protective equipment and lab safety policies. The training
should be documented using the Laboratory Minor Training Checklist and be available during a laboratory audit.
Minors may request an opportunity to participate in an approved research or clinical
activity while under the mentorship and supervision of a sponsoring faculty member
or designated employee.
To protect the health and safety of the participating minor, adult supervisors must
adhere to the following guidelines:
The sponsoring faculty must receive approval from the Department Head using the Laboratory Minor Approval Form. When signatures are obtained from the responsible parties, the form is submitted
to the Safety and Risk Management Office for review.
The sponsoring faculty must follow all relevant safety and compliance requirements
and adhere to the approved supervisory plan. The sponsoring faculty may act as the
minor’s direct supervisor or designate another faculty or staff member to serve in
that role.
The supervising employee must conduct a lab specific safety orientation and require
strict adherence to personal protective equipment and lab safety policies. The training
should be documented using the Laboratory Minor Training Checklist and be available during a laboratory audit.
Non-university minor students who are approved to work in a laboratory are restricted
from working with the following hazardous materials or equipment:
Biological Hazards
Minors are prohibited from working with biohazardous materials at Biosafety Level
2 (BSL-2) or higher.
Minors may not be exposed to, or work with, biological material or agents that require
medical surveillance.
Minors may not perform duties in which they are required to work directly with human
and/or non-human primate blood, body fluids, and tissue.
Minors may not work directly with research animals.
Radiological Hazards
Minors may not work with radiation sources (sealed or unsealed).
Minors may not work with radiation generating equipment (i.e. X-Ray).
Minors are not permitted in areas with open beam Class 3B or 4 lasers.
Chemical Hazards
Minors are not permitted to work with carcinogens, reproductive toxins, controlled
substances, highly reactive materials, or other acutely toxic chemicals.
Minors may handle lower risk chemicals in limited circumstances, with the proper safety
equipment, and at the discretion of the sponsoring faculty and laboratory safety officer.
Hazardous Equipment
Minors are not permitted to operate hazardous equipment such as lathes, drill press,
laser cutters, etc.
Facilities Management Building
Safety Office
3476 Old Cullowhee Road
Cullowhee, NC 28723 828.227.7443 or 828-227-7224
On Campus Emergencies call 828-227-8911 Off Campus Emergencies call 911
Contact the Laboratory Safety Officer: Sharon Tighe, MS, CHO 828-227-3645 smtighe@wcu.edu