Start Here - About Third Party Youth Programs
What is a Third-Party Program?
A third-party youth program is a program involving minors that is organized, managed, or operated by an organization that is not Cornell University, even when the program takes place on Cornell-owned or controlled property.
Examples of third-party programs include camps, academic programs, conferences, competitions, workshops, and other activities involving minors that are conducted by external organizations using Cornell facilities.
The third-party organization remains responsible for program operations, staffing, supervision, participant safety, training, and compliance obligations. While Cornell may establish requirements for the use of its facilities and for programs involving minors in campus, the third-party organization retains primary responsibility for its program and participants.
Does University Policy 8.8 Apply?
Third-party organizations conducting activities involving minors on Cornell-owned or controlled property must comply with applicable requirements of University Policy 8.8, Protection of Minors and Abuse Reporting.
Depending on the nature of the program, requirements may include:
- Program registration
- Background checks
- Youth protection training
- Supervision standards
- Safety planning
- Insurance requirements
- Reporting obligations
- Additional safeguards designed to promote the safety and well-being of youth participants
Approval Process and Timeline
All third-party youth programs must complete the following steps before the program begins.
| Step | Requirement | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Obtain a Cornell sponsor | Before registration |
| 2 | Register with CYS | At least 30 days before the start date |
| 3 | Execute required Cornell agreement | At least 30 days before start date |
| 4 | Submit curriculum, schedule, and activity information | At least 3 weeks before start date |
| 5 | Complete all Policy 8.8 requirements | At least 15 days before start date |
| 6 | Submit parental consent forms | At least 15 days before start date |
| 7 | Submit Certificate of Insurance (COI) | At least 10 days before start date |
| 8 | Submit Department of Health Permit (where applicable) - children's camps | At least 5 days before start date |
| 9 | Receive final approval | Before program begins |
Programs involving minors may not begin until all required reviews, approvals, and documentation have been completed. Prior to approval, the program director must certify that all required screening, training, supervision, and youth protection requirements have been completed.
Program Director Responsibilities
The program director is responsible for ensuring:
- Program registration is completed
- Required documentation is submitted
- Staff screening requirements are met
- Staff training requirements are met
- Supervision requirements are implemented
- Safety planning is complete
- Reporting obligations are understood and followed
Required Documentation:
Most programs will be required to submit:
- Curriculum
- Program schedule
- Activity descriptions
- Executed agreement
- Certificate of Insurance
- Cornell University consent forms
- Health Department documentation (where applicable)
Insurance Requirements
Third-party organizations must:
- Maintain insurance coverage
- Maintain sexual abuse and molestation coverage
- Name Cornell University as an additional insured
- Submit a Certificate of Insurance before program approval
More information may be found on Cornell's Risk Management and Insurance website.
Staff Requirements
Program directors must certify that all program staff:
- Have completed required background checks
- Have received youth protection training
- Have been informed of Cornell's reporting requirements
- Have been informed of Cornell's Standards of Behavior for Working with Minors
Will meet Cornell's supervision requirements
External organizations may request access to Cornell's youth protection training resources. Contact CYS at youthprotection@cornell.edu for additional information.
Reporting Obligations
Third-party organizations remain responsible for complying with:
- New York State reporting requirements
- Cornell Policy 8.8
- Cornell Policy 6.4
- Clery Act requirements
- Other applicable laws and regulations
Concerns involving minors must be reported in accordance with applicable requirements.
Need Help?
Contact Children and Youth Safety (CYS) at youthprotection@cornell.edu as early as possible during planning.
Early consultation helps identify requirements, avoid delays, and support a successful review and approval process.