Preparation is a continual practice that allows us to do our best as community members and volunteers. Youth programs through the Pace Center require specific preparations and processes in order for volunteers to do service well and have legal clearance to work with these vulnerable populations. Some programs and projects require fingerprinting for volunteers to be able to serve. Below is an FAQ with the important and pertinent information for volunteers who need to go through this process. If you have questions please reach out to Jessica Hoppe Dağcı

  • Why am I being asked to be fingerprinted?
    • The Pace Center takes doing service well seriously and that includes following the policies that our community partners ask us to abide by. The Princeton School District has created a policy for all staff and volunteers who work with and engage 1:1 with youth who attend district schools to be fingerprinted for safety purposes. As good partners, we will be abiding by this policy.
  • Who has to be fingerprinted?
    • Any students or staff who work 1:1 or might work 1:1 with Princeton School District youth through Pace Center programs. This process may be expanded to include other New Jersey school districts and community organizations in the area. We will update our guidance and communicate about any changes.
  • How do I get fingerprinted?
    • Your project leader will notify you if your service project requires fingerprinting before you can work with youth.
    • The fingerprinting process will require you to sign up for an appointment with IdentoGo, the company our Princeton partners use.  During the session you will be fingerprinted and added to a secure database that assists our partners in their background checks and ensures the safety of youth programs and schools by vetting volunteers for any criminal history.
    • You will receive an email from your project’s staff advisor with information on how to sign up for a fingerprinting session, what documents/info you need, and the fingerprinting timeline. You will be able to choose the location & date of your session. This means that you may be able to be fingerprinted while away from campus if you have the specific information for your project and there is an IdentoGo office near you. 
  • What is the fingerprinting process?
    • You will be identified and notified if you are part of a service project or group that requires fingerprinting by your project leader, group president, or a Pace staff member. 
    • You will receive an email with the steps for fingerprinting and the Service Code needed for you to register and the Coupon Code you’ll use for the payment process.
    • Using the Service Code you will go to the IdentoGo website to sign up for a fingerprinting session at the office.
      • Please see the Princeton School District’s Fingerprinting Instructions for a step-by-step walkthrough below.
      • The 5 digit Service Code is the one you’ll use to start the process.
      • You will then be prompted to add your personal information, the “employer information”, which is the Princeton School District in this case. (Please see the district's walkthrough.) and the other necessary details.
      • When you get to the final step of the registration process and they ask for payment, you will select On Site and Coupon Code. Make sure to save the Coupon Code and bring it with you to your appointment so you can pay there rather than online. 
  • What do I need to be fingerprinted?
    • Identification:
    • A computer or smartphone to complete the online registration.
    • Printed email from IdentoGo with the address of the location, date and time of your fingerprinting appointment.
    • Your Coupon Code for payment so you don’t have to pay out of pocket.
  • Will I need to pay for fingerprinting?
    • No fingerprinting fees are covered by the Pace Center if you are a volunteer with our projects.
    • Your Coupon Code is what you’ll use to pay at your appointment.
  • How long does it take to be cleared after fingerprinting?
    • Around 2 weeks. This means that you should schedule your appointment as early as possible so that it does not delay your ability to volunteer or work with your community partner. Give yourself as much lead time as possible.
  • Who will be notified/how will I know I’m cleared?
    • Your staff advisor will be notified of your fingerprinting status. They will notify you, your Project Leader, your Community Partner(s) and the district of your cleared or not cleared status. This is the only information being shared. 
  • How long does this clearance last?
    • Once you have been cleared you will not need to be fingerprinted again while at Princeton. 
  • What to do if I miss my appointment?
    • Contact IdentoGo to reschedule your appointment. Notify your Project Leader about the delay in the process so they can plan accordingly with other volunteers. 
  • Do I still need to do the University’s Working with Minors process?

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