At the Pace Center we work with a variety of schools, youth programs, and educators across our local community. Whether you are volunteering as a tutor weekly or planning a fun event for youth on campus, it’s important to make sure that you and your program are prepared to work with minors while at Princeton. The University’s Minors on Campus policy and the Pace Center’s preparation are key to making sure that all youth engagement is safe, legal, and well-prepared for.

What does that mean?

All Pace Center projects, organizations, and events that involve youth must be reviewed by Pace Center Staff in order to determine what necessary processes are needed in order to be cleared and supported by the University.

Step 1. Is the (project/event) a Covered program or a non-Covered program?

• What is a Covered Program?
  • A Covered Program is any program or activity operated or conducted by Princeton University where the care, custody, and control of Minors is the responsibility of University faculty, staff, students, or volunteers. Examples include outreach activities, academic programs, and sports camps. 

If the responsibility of oversight and care of minors during a program/event/activity is with Princeton University students, staff, or faculty then it is a Covered Program.

• What is a non-Covered Program?
  • A non-Covered program is any program or activity operated or conducted by Princeton University where the care, custody, and control of Minors is the responsibility of parents/guardians, or other non-University affiliated persons. Examples include presentations at local schools where school staff are present and managing the youth or campus visits coordinated by local youth programs where the community partner has oversight. 

If the responsibility of oversight and care of minors during a program/event/activity is not and will not be with Princeton University students, staff, or faculty then it is a non-Covered Program.

Step 2. If after your review with Pace Center Staff, your program is determined to be a Covered program, what should you do?

• What are the responsibilities of “Program Staff”/Volunteers in a Covered Program?
  • Program Staff/Volunteers are responsible for:
    • Providing care, custody, and control of Minors during the program.
    • Registering the program with the University.
    • Completing background checks before participating in the program.
    • Undergoing University-provided training on working with Minors.
    • The Pace Center also requires all volunteers complete Pace’s Working with Minors training.
• How do you register a Covered Program?
  • Covered Programs must be registered at least 60 days before they begin. This will give programs and events enough time to thoroughly plan and make sure that all volunteers complete the necessary checks and trainings. The registration process requires details about the program, such as a description, the expected age range of participants, and an estimated number of attendees and volunteers.
  • You can find the program pre-registration form here. This Pace Center form can be filled out by Pace Staff or Pace Project Leaders.
• How does the background check process work?
  • Once a program has been registered, Pace Center Staff will receive a Background Check Sheet from the Minors on Campus Committee. Students leading the projects or events must provide Pace Staff with the basic contact info of all volunteers who will be a part of the program including Legal Names, Princeton Emails, and Net ID.
  • Once the volunteer information has been submitted to the Minors on Campus Committee, volunteers will receive an email form the committee with a confidential and secure link to complete a short Background Check form.
  • All volunteers must successfully complete a University-provided background check before participating in a Covered Program. The background check includes:
    • Multi-state and county criminal checks.
    • Checks of the National Sex Offender Registry.
    • A mandatory requirement to complete the check once every year.
  • Background Checks can take up to three weeks to be cleared. Do not wait until the last minute to start the process. Your program will be denied if there is not enough time to complete the checks. Plan ahead and start early. Background checks are good for one calendar year.
• What trainings are required for volunteers?
  • Volunteers must complete University-provided video training before the program starts. This training only needs to be completed once while you attend or work at Princeton. This training includes:
  • Responsibilities in case of emergencies or injuries.
  • Recognizing signs of abuse and neglect.
  • Procedures for reporting suspected child abuse.
  • Preventing child abuse.
  • Adhering to the Standards of Behavior with Minors.
  • Volunteers that work with the Pace Center are required to complete the Working with Minors training before taking part in a program. This training is offered regularly throughout the year and it can also be requested by groups depending on size and facilitator availability.
  • Community Partners may have specific trainings and workshops that they require volunteers to complete. Make sure to communicate ahead of time about what their requirements are so that everyone is informed and can meet the mandatory expectations.
• What is the process for fingerprinting, and who needs to be fingerprinted?
  • Students or staff working 1:1 with youth through Pace Center programs may need to be fingerprinted as per partner requirements. The fingerprinting process involves scheduling an appointment with IdentoGo and using a provided Coupon Code for payment. Clearance usually takes about two weeks.
  • You can find the Fingerprinting FAQ here.

Step 3.  If after your review with Pace Center Staff, your program is determined to be a non-Covered program, what should you do?

• Non-Covered Programs, such as public events or those requiring parental supervision, are not subject to the same background check and training requirements but still have an obligation to ensure participant safety. Non-Covered Programs must follow specific procedures based on their nature.
• Non-Covered programs should still be registered with the Minors on Campus Committee.
• The Pace Center will still require volunteers to complete the Working with Minors training depending on the level of engagement with youth during the program.
• Other procedures may be required depending on guidance from the Minors on Campus Committee, Pace Center, Community Partners, or others.

Other Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Working with Minors at Princeton University

Who is considered a Minor under Princeton University's policy?

A Minor is anyone under the age of 18 who is not a matriculated college student at Princeton University or another institution.

What are the Standards of Behavior with Minors?

These standards outline appropriate conduct when interacting with Minors, including maintaining boundaries, restricting electronic communications to program-related purposes, and ensuring that one-on-one interactions are necessary and appropriate.

How should suspected child abuse or neglect be reported?

Under New Jersey law and Princeton University policy, anyone who suspects a Minor has been subjected to abuse or neglect must report it to the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services and Princeton’s Department of Public Safety (DPS). In emergencies, contact 911 or DPS directly.

Are there specific rules for Minors in Research Facilities?

Yes, Minors are generally prohibited from entering Research Facilities unless specific rules and procedures are followed. These include ensuring that Minors and supervising adults are aware of and comply with safety protocols.

Are there exemptions from this policy?

Exemptions can be requested by submitting a written justification to the Minors Oversight Committee at least 60 days before the program starts. Approval is required before proceeding with the exemption.

How long does the background check clearance last?

Once cleared, background checks are valid for one year, and fingerprinting clearance through the Pace Center lasts for the duration of your time at Princeton.