Message to Parents and Guardians
Cornell University is committed to ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for youth. The University's Protection of Minors policy implements measures to protect children who participate in Cornell-affiliated programs. These requirements extend to third parties operating programs for youth on Cornell University premises, ensuring external partners adhere to the same rigorous standards we do.
Cornell's policy implements the following measures to help keep your child safe while they are in our care:
Screening Methods: All individuals who work directly with minors undergo screening, including criminal background checks and sex offender registry screening, prior to their participation in the program.
Education and Training: All individuals who work directly with minors are provided comprehensive training on preventing abuse, recognizing the signs of abuse, appropriate response to abuse, and the mandatory reporting of abuse and misconduct.
Standards of Behavior: Cornell has established clear guidelines for appropriate and inappropriate touch, language, and behavior when working with children. These standards ensure a safe and respectful environment for your child.
Reporting and Response: Cornell has established clear guidelines for the reporting of known or suspected abuse or misconduct involving minors, ensuring concerns are addressed promptly.
Safety Measures: Programs are required to develop proactive safety measures to protect all participants in emergency situations, ensuring the well-being of your child.
In addition to the measures that Cornell University has implemented, there are important things you can do to help protect your child:
Talk to your child, using age-appropriate language, about the following:
Teach Boundaries: Teach your child about personal boundaries and the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touch, language, and behavior.
Teach children that they can say NO to any touch, language, or behavior they are uncomfortable with.
Identify Trusted Adults and teach children that they can speak up if they ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
Recognize Warning Signs: Be alert for potential signs of abuse such as unexplained injury, sudden changes in behavior or mood, reluctance to be around certain people, or inappropriate knowledge or behavior for their age.
Report Abuse and Other Concerning Behavior: Let Cornell know immediately by contacting the Children and Youth Safety office at (607) 255-9062 or [email protected] if your child expresses concern about behavior in their program that is harmful, abusive, or neglectful.
In an emergency, Cornell University authorities can be reached at the following numbers:
- Ithaca Campus: (607) 255-1111
- Cornell Tech: (646) 971-3611
- Weill Cornell Medicine-NYC: (212) 746-0911
- All other locations, including Geneva AgriTech, contact 911