Effective Date: December 16, 2025
Issuing Authority: Provost
Policy Contact: Vice Provost, provost@mercer.edu, 478-301-2110
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to define the criteria for enrollment and matriculation for underage individuals.
Scope
This policy applies to all students at Mercer University under the age of 18.
Exclusions
Minors who have been emancipated by the courts
Definitions
As used in this policy, the following term(s) have the meaning specified below:
Adult: any person age 18 or older on the designated move-in day of the applicable semester.
Minor: any person under 18 years of age (O.C.G.A. § 39-1-1).
Policy Statement
The academic and extracurricular programs at Mercer University are designed for mature individuals and include exposure to sensitive topics and diverse viewpoints expressed through language, course readings, and material both in and out of the classroom. Mercer University treats all students as mature individuals and expects them to have the necessary skills to study and live independently alongside people of all ages and from a variety of backgrounds. The University does not provide special academic allowances or accommodations to minors.
This policy provides additional conditions and disclosures to prospective and admitted students who would be under 18 on the designated move-in day of the applicable semester and would therefore be regarded as a minor under Georgia law.
Mercer University defines a minor as someone who is under the age of 18 on the designated move-in day of the applicable semester. Minors older than 16, who meet the criteria for admission, are eligible for full admittance and may participate fully in campus life and reside in a residence hall, provided the student and parent/guardian complete, sign, and follow the acknowledgments and conditions on the Minor Student Acknowledgement Form.
Minors who would be under the age of 16 on the designated move-in day of the applicable semester may be admitted only if they demonstrate exceptional maturity and academic talent as determined by the University. All such admissions are conditional, and continued matriculation requires review prior to course registration each semester. Applications from minors who will be under the age of 16 must be accompanied by the endorsed Underage Enrollment Request Form along with the additional identified documents. In addition to any determined conditions on enrollment, supervisory requirements must be provided for, and restrictions on University services, including but not limited to the following, shall apply:
- Students under the age of 16 cannot live in the residence halls.
- Students under the age of 16 are not allowed to participate in formal or informal fraternity or sorority recruitment.
- Students under the age of 16 are eligible for treatment at Campus Health or Counseling and Psychological Services with parent/guardian permission.
- Students under the age of 16 are not allowed to participate in Study Abroad or Mercer on Mission.
- Students under the age of 16 are not permitted to participate in student travel for co-curricular events without appropriate parental/guardian supervision and written approval from the Dean of Students.
- Students under the age of 16 are not allowed to participate in recreational, intramural, and wellness activities, including the use of the University fitness center.
Other Resources
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA): https://policies.mercer.edu/family-educational-rights-and-privacy-act-ferpa/
Mercer University Student Handbook: https://provost.mercer.edu/resources/handbooks/student-handbooks/
Minor Student Acknowledgement Form: Contact Residential Undergraduate Admissions at admissions@mercer.edu, 478-301-2650, or 800-840-8577.
Student Code of Conduct: https://policies.mercer.edu/student-code-of-conduct/
Underage Enrollment Request Form: Contact Residential Undergraduate Admissions at admissions@mercer.edu, 478-301-2650, or 800-840-8577.