Skip to main content

Behavioral Standards for Youth Participants

Cornell University has a zero-tolerance policy for abuse, mistreatment, or sexual activity among minor participants in our programs.

Programs that provide custodial care of minors must develop and make available to participants and parents/guardians written conduct expectations and disciplinary procedures. These rules must include a clear prohibition on youth-to-youth abuse, misconduct, and harassment.

Minimum Conduct Rules Required for Program Participants 13 Years of Age and Older:

  • The possession or use of alcohol and other drugs, fireworks, guns and other weapons, and sexually explicit material is prohibited.
  • Participants may not leave University premises or the program location without consent.
  • Participants are prohibited from engaging in acts of violence, sexual abuse or misconduct, or harassment.
  • Hazing is prohibited.
  • Bullying, including verbal, physical, and cyber bullying, is prohibited.
  • The use of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited.
  • Misuse, damage, or theft of property is prohibited.
  • The use of cameras, imaging, and digital devices is prohibited in areas where privacy is expected, such as showers, locker rooms, and restrooms.  
  • All sexual activity is prohibited.

Minimum Conduct Rules Required for Program Participants Under 13 Years of Age

  • Personal belongings, including any items that may be considered dangerous, should be left at home; do not bring them to the program.
  • Participants may not leave the program without asking for permission first.
  • Participants will treat everyone with kindness. No violence or hurtful actions are allowed in the program.
  • Participants must keep their hands to themselves.
  • Bullying (either face-to-face or online) is not permitted in the program.
  • Cornell University does not allow smoking or vaping on campus.
  • Participants are not allowed to damage, misuse, or take things that do not belong to them.

  • Do not use cameras or phones to take photos of others without their permission.  Participants are not allowed to take photos in restrooms/bathrooms under any circumstances.   

Participant Feedback and Reporting Concerns

Program participants and their families must be provided with clear, accessible, and multiple ways to report safety concerns, inappropriate conduct, or boundary-crossing behavior. 

Suggested language: 

“If my child or I have concerns about anything that occurs during this program, the program director can be reached at (phone number/email). If you are uncomfortable contacting the program director, or if that person is unavailable, Cornell University’s Youth Protection team can be reached at 607-255-9062.” 

Additional information is available in the Message to Parents and Guardians. This information should be included in the program’s registration materials, welcome packets, or other participant communications.