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Behavioral Standards for Youth Participants

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

Youth programs that have custodial care of minors must develop and make available to participants and parents/guardians the rules and disciplinary measures applicable to the program. These rules must include a clear prohibition on peer-to-peer abuse and misconduct.

Minimum Conduct Rules are Required for Program Participants 13 Years Old 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 harassment.
  • Hazing is prohibited.
  • Bullying, including verbal, physical, and cyber bullying, are 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.  
  • Rules for older program participants (generally 13+) should include a prohibition on all sexual activity.

Minimum Conduct Rules are Required for Program Participants Under 13 Years Old

  • 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.   

Mechanisms for Participant Feedback:

Program participants and their families must be provided with multiple ways they can report safety concerns or boundary-crossing behavior. Appropriate language for this might be: “If my child or I have concerns about anything that happens during this program, the program director can be reached at (phone number/email). If for any reason you are uncomfortable contacting the program director or that person is not available, Cornell University’s Youth Protection team can be reached at 607-255-9062.” 

For more information, please refer to the Message to Parents and Guardians. This information should be provided in the program’s registration documents or welcome packet.