About Us

Infographic titled “10-Year Operational Snapshot” highlighting HEPNet benchmarking data related to protection of minors policies, background checks, operational structures, training requirements, and member resources

Our Mission

We seek to advance the interactions of higher education institutions with children and youth. We serve as a coordinated voice promoting good practices for protecting vulnerable populations and providing programming and resources appropriate to their needs.

Our Vision

With guidance and support of the Higher Education Protection Network, colleges and universities advance the well-being of children and youth with whom they interact.
HEPNet pinwheel with values

Our Values

To carry out this mission and vision, HEPNet is guided by the following values:

  • Accountable. We are accountable to our mission and to the public good.
  • Collaborative. We work together productively and respectfully.
  • Ethical. We act with integrity and fairness in all our dealings.
  • Expert. We develop and promote reliable knowledge.
  • Inclusive. We champion a welcoming and broadly diverse community.
  • Innovative. We develop and embrace new solutions.
  • Professional. We promote organizational efficacy.
  • Responsive. We address requests and obligations in a helpful, timely manner.

Our History

In 2013, four individuals interested in youth protection in higher education got on the phone and discussed current issues and questions. At the end of the call, they agreed to meet again the following month. Each month brought more people to the calls as word spread. In 2014, a Google group was formed in able to facilitate a listserve and house resources and we became known as the Youth Protection Network for Higher Education (YPNHE). Word continued to spread and the google group quickly reached over 100 members. Around this time, the monthly calls transitioned into a combination of guest speakers presenting on pertinent topics in addition to the open forum. In 2016, it was decided that it was time to become a national organization so that we could better support and serve those supporting and serving minors in higher education. Just before becoming a national association, we had over 250 members in the google group and membership for the Higher Education Protection Network (HEPNet) opened on May 15, 2017.