For Student Organizations
Many Cornell student organizations engage with youth through outreach programs, workshops, competitions, mentoring activities, and community partnerships. CYS is here to help student leaders and advisors navigate Policy 8.8 requirements, manage risk, and create safe, positive experiences for youth participants. Use the resources on this page to determine whether your activity is covered by the policy and to understand the steps required before your event or program begins.
Do I Need to Comply with Policy 8.8?
| Organization Type | On University Premises | Off University Premises |
|---|---|---|
| University Student Organizations (USOs) | YES | YES |
| General Student Organizations (GSOs) | YES | NO* |
| Sorority and Fraternity Student Organizations (SFSOs) | YES | NO* |
*GSOs and SFSOs conducting outreach programs off-campus are acting independently of Cornell University while participating in non-Cornell affiliated activities. These programs are not governed by Policy 8.8. Organizations are expected to follow the youth protection policies and procedures of the community partner with whom they are working.
Before You Begin
Student organizations must:
- Be recognized by the Campus Activities Office
- Register qualifying activities with Children and Youth Safety (CYS)
- Complete all applicable Policy 8.8 requirements
Receive final authorization before the activity begins
Activities involving minors may not begin until all required reviews, approvals, training, screening, and authorization requirements have been completed.
Planning an Activity Involving Minors?
| Key Business Process | Summary |
|---|---|
| Planning and Running an Activity Involving Minors | Step-by-step guidance for student organizations planning activities involving minors. |
| Student Organization Advisors | Information for student organization advisors about their role in supporting compliant youth programs. |
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What if our event is open to the public or to the Cornell Community and is not specifically targeted toward minors, but some minors may attend? | Registration and compliance with Policy 8.8 are generally not required. Event organizers are encouraged to contact CYS if they would like guidance and recommendations. |
| Does fundraising for a youth-serving organization trigger Policy 8.8 requirements? | No. Activities such as fundraising, donation drives, or collecting supplies for youth-serving organizations generally do not require program registration under Policy 8.8, provided organization members are not directly supervising, instructing, mentoring, transporting, or otherwise interacting with minors as part of the activity. |
| What if minors are attending our event as audience members or guests? | If your event is specifically designed for, marketed to, or expected to attract minors, Policy 8.8 may apply. If minors are only incidental attendees at an event that is primarily intended for the Cornell community or general public, registration is generally not required. |
| Our organization wants to mentor, teach, coach, or supervise youth. What should we do? | Contact CYS as early as possible, and at least 30 days before the activity. Programs involving direct interaction with minors often require review, approval, training, and other risk management measures before the program may begin. |
| We are partnering with a local school, nonprofit, or community organization. Do we still need to comply with Policy 8.8? | Possibly. The answer depends on the nature of the partnership, where the activity occurs, and whether the student organization is acting on behalf of Cornell. Contact CYS before the activity so requirements can be reviewed. |
| Do virtual or online programs involving minors need to be registered? | Yes. Policy 8.8 applies to virtual programs, mentoring activities, tutoring sessions, workshops, or other online interactions involving minors. Contact CYS before launching any virtual youth program. |
| We want to host a one-time event for local youth. Does the event still need to be registered? | Yes. Policy requirements are based on the nature of the activity, not its duration. Even a single-day or one-time event may require review and approval. |
| How far in advance should we contact CYS? | Organizations should contact CYS as soon as they begin planning a program involving minors. Early consultation helps avoid delas and ensures any required approvals, training, or screenings can be completed before the event. |
| Can our organization advertise or recruit participants before approval is complete? | Organizations should not finalize plans, open registration, or advertise youth programming until they have consulted with CYS and understand any applicable requirements. Approval must be obtained before the program begins. |
| What happens if our organization conducts a youth program without approval? | Failure to comply with Policy 8.8 may result in program suspension, cancellation, or referral through applicable university processes. The purpose of the review process is to help organizations operate safely and successfully, so students are encouraged to engage with CYS early in the planning process. |
Questions?
Contact Us. We're happy to help.