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McGill.CA / Human Resources / Events / Bring A Child To Work Day

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Bring a Child to Work Day?
Bring a Child to Work Day is an opportunity for children, ages 8-15, to visit both McGill University campuses, explore interests, be inspired by participating in activities, and see what parents, relatives and/or friends do in their careers at McGill.
2. When can I access the online registration?
Online registration will be activated on April 2, 2013, and close on April 26, 2013. We are in the process of confirming activity sessions and finalizing details of the schedule.
3. My child is not 8 years old yet. Can he/she participate?
Given the nature of the day and the age level of the programming targets, children under age 8 will not benefit from the event. If you wish to bring a child under age 8, it is recommended that you plan to spend time in your work space (as your department or unit will allow/approve), visit sites on campus such as Redpath Museum, McLennan Library, the Bookstore, Morgan Arboretum, or other points of interest. Other programming, specifically the activity sessions, are not open to children under 8 years old.
4. My child is 16 years old. Can he/she participate?
Most of the activities and programs are geared toward children who are age 8-15, but if there is room in the program and you believe your 16-year-old would benefit, he/she may attend. Please note that activity/career sessions, entertainment, and giveaways are geared toward the 8-15 age range.
5. I will be bringing two children to the event. Do both children have to attend the same programs?
Yes. An adult must accompany children at all times throughout the program. This is to ensure safety, as McGill cannot take responsibility for your child/children during the visit. If you plan to bring more than one child to the event, it is recommended that you plan ahead and arrange for a second adult to accompany one of your children. On the registration form (available on this site starting April 2), there is a portion that refers to the accompanying adult, which must be completed so that we know permission has been granted for an adult other than the child’s parent or legal guardian to accompany the child during the event.
6. I would like to register my three children for this event. I will be bringing them alone, so they have to make it into the same session in order to participate. What is the best way to do this?
Please fill in one registration form on the website when it becomes available on April 2.  Make sure that you list the names of all children that will accompany you. Also, please indicate your second/third choices, in case we cannot fulfill your request for your preferred activities.
7. I am the parent/guardian and will be attending the event, but I have two other people who plan to accompany my other two children (I have three total). How do I fill out the form?
Once registration opens on April 2, each accompanying adult must have a separate form when registering online.  That means, one form per accompanying adult has to be filled in, no matter how many children that adult will accompany. The unit of adult plus child(ren) will register for the same session(s). If the parent or legal guardian is also the accompanying adult, the same name will be entered in each section of the form.  A McGill employee must fill out the form.
8. I am the accompanying adult, but I am not the parent or legal guardian. Can I register the child?
This depends. You must receive permission from the parent or legal guardian to register the child for the event. If you are a McGill employee and you have received permission from the parent (who is not a McGill employee) to bring a child (who is not your child or legal responsibility) to the event, you may register the child. It is recommended that parents who are McGill employees register their child(ren) for the event even if another individual will be the accompanying adult. You cannot access the online form unless you are a McGill employee.
9. Do I need to register online?
Due to the volume of registrations we anticipate, it would be very helpful if you would register online. If you do not have access to the Internet or a computer station, please consider registering from a site on campus, a computer lab, the library, etc. If none of these options is available to you, we will accept a paper registration form and we will enter the data into the system when it opens online. To access a paper copy of the registration form, call 514 398-8071. In either case, it would be helpful to provide an email address that you check regularly and a phone number (a home number if that is more effective) so that we can inform you of any important information such as changes in the event schedule.
10. What if I register and then decide I cannot attend?
Please let us know of the cancellation as soon as possible as others may be waiting to attend a particular session that is full. You can email us at bringachildtowork [at] mcgill [dot] ca or call us at 514 398-8071 and we will remove your registration.
11. What if I register and then change my mind about the activity session I selected?
We ask that you try your best not to change activity session selections once you have registered. If you change your mind about attending an activity, keep in mind that a particular activity may not be available. If you registered online, you can edit your selection by using the view link at the top of the form until the deadline of registration on April 26, 2013. If you registered by paper form, please contact our office at bringachildtowork [at] mcgill [dot] ca and we will edit your selection.
12. Why should I register early?
It is recommended that you register as early as possible because activity sessions fill up quickly.
13. When is the deadline to register?
The deadline to register is April 26, 2013. However, it is recommended that you register when registration opens on April 2. Program sessions will fill up quickly.
14. Will I be able to register after the deadline?
No. You will need to register by the deadline to ensure a space in the program. Also, the earlier you register, the more likely you will be able to find space in your desired activity sessions.
15. When will I receive my final registration information?
You will receive a confirmation of your registration via email the week of April 29, that will list the name, time and location of the session(s) that you are registered for. Please register as early as possible to get your first choices.
16. I am trying to map out the day. How can I do this most effectively?
Campus maps will be provided on the day of the event, and also can be found online at www.mcgill.ca/maps/. The online registration form and your email confirmation will list the building and room locations for each event. Consider these locations as you map your day.
17. Does this event cost anything?
No. The event is free of charge. Note that lunch – for you and your child(ren) – is on your own, at your own expense.
18. Is breakfast or lunch provided?
This is a bring-your-own-meals event. We may have some discounted lunch options for your children. We are still working on that.
19. Will activities be offered in French?
Yes. Most activities are led by bilingual departmental staff and students and will be conducted in English and French (upon request).
20. Do I need to take time off work or declare a vacation or personal day to participate in the event?
This is a McGill University event and it should not be necessary for an employee to take vacation or personal time in order to attend. However, units still need to operate and office coverage needs to be arranged. Some operations may need to have employees stagger their shifts in order to participate in part of the day. You should check with your supervisor about the time off policy in your unit. Supervisors and employees should discuss this issue prior to your registering for the event.
21. I work outside the hours this event is taking place. How do I participate?
You have two choices: arrange with your supervisor to be absent during that shift, if possible, or arrange with a friend, relative or colleague to accompany your child during the day.
22. All of the programs my child is interested in are full. What should I do?
We make a concerted effort to provide a variety of programs, but those who register early have the best chance of attending the programs of their choice. Due to space issues and the nature of certain programs, attendance is determined accordingly. Given this, some programs will fill sooner than others.
23. What if I’m not interested in a particular time frame – what do I do?
Alternative Activities are listed on the registration website. For instance, participants could visit the office of the accompanying adult, visit a library, Redpath Museum or the Morgan Arboretum on campus.
24. How do I volunteer to help out during the event?
We can always use volunteers for this event. If you would like to volunteer you can send an email to bringachildtowork [at] mcgill [dot] ca.
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