2025 4-H Career Explorations

Code of Conduct

 

Our first priority is to create a safe, inclusive space for learning, sharing, and collaboration welcoming to people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Diversity includes, but is not limited to: race, color, religion, political beliefs, national or ethnic origin, immigration status, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, transgender status, sexual orientation, age, marital or family status, educational level, learning style, physical appearance, body size, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. CCE actively supports equal educational and employment opportunities. No person shall be denied admission to any educational program or activity on the basis of any legally prohibited discrimination. CCE is committed to the maintenance of affirmative action programs that will assure the continuation of such equality of opportunity.

 

All 4-H Participants—youth, families, volunteers, and Extension staff—in or attending any activity or event sponsored by Cornell University’s Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) 4-H Youth Development Program are required to uphold the values of the NYS 4-H program and conduct themselves according to these standards. All participants (youth and adult) will follow the NYS 4-H Code of Conduct.

 

Any disturbance or emergencies should be reported to a chaperone. Parents/guardians will be contacted if a youth violates the code of conduct and they need to be sent home at their families’ expense. 

 

Adult chaperones will have the authority to make decisions in the absence of a County 4-H Educator if necessary.  Focus Assistants should be involved in decisions about the group as appropriate. Chaperones will be expected to intervene in any situation that violates the rules of the event or the basic rights of others, including youth from other counties. Any problems with youth from other counties should be dealt with immediately and then reported to the appropriate chaperones, Chaperone Advisors, and the Event Coordinator.

 

Dorms

 

Adults will be assigned a single occupancy room and youth will be assigned double occupancy rooms. Youth cannot switch rooms. Participants are responsible for any damages that occur to the room during their stay.  If keys or cards are lost or not returned, participant agrees to pay for the lock cylinder change and replacement of lost room keys and cards at $130.00 each. Participants must be in the dormitory by 10:00 PM; lights out at 11:00 PM. 

 

Program Evaluation

 

Conference participants will be asked to help us learn about the program effectiveness by completing a survey or sharing their reflections. Participation in program evaluation efforts is completely anonymous, voluntary, and there is no impact on program participation if someone decides not to complete a survey. A participant, parent, or guardian may withdraw consent at any time and a participant may refuse any survey request at any time. Parents and participants give or deny their permission to participate in program evaluation efforts by completing the NYS 4-H Permission Slip.

 

Photos

 

Photos taken during the program may be used to promote 4-H Youth Development. Parents and participants give or deny their permission to be photographed by completing event consent forms.

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Youth Safety

 

Cornell University is dedicated to creating safe programs for children and youth.  Individuals working with children and youth are required to follow the policy of Children and Youth Safety.

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Safety on Campus

 

Cornell is a large campus with many different summer activities. Serious crimes can and do occur along the footpaths of Cornell, despite the idyllic setting. A caution to all:

• NEVER walk alone, especially after dark!

• Dorm room doors should be locked at all times – always have your keys with you! If you get locked out of your room, call (607) 255-2288

• Under no circumstances should youth leave the dorm at night and should never be alone on campus

• Chaperones need to be in attendance for all programs, assemblies, free-time activities, County meetings, and on call all night

• During free-time activities, if County participants split up, a Chaperone must accompany each of the groups (any Chaperone). Dorms are off limits during the day, except with a Chaperone

• All participants must be back in their dorms by 10 PM. Lights out at 11 PM

 

The Cornell Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) asks you to help Cornell promote and maintain a safe learning environment by remembering the following:

• Be aware of all potential hazards - If you are unsure whether something is dangerous or not, ASK QUESTIONS!!

• Follow all instructions given by your program leader. They will provide safety training that you need for your specific program.

• If you will work in a laboratory:

  • Wear the right clothes! Long pants and closed toed shoes.

  • Wear lab coats, gloves, and safety goggles as instructed - This is equipment for your personal protection!

• Look out for the words like DANGER, WARNING and other symbols on doors, equipment, and containers - This means there is a potential hazard nearby.

• IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY - Notify your program leader or a nearby chaperone. IF a chaperone is not nearby, call the 911.

• Examples of emergencies include: fires, injury or illness, large chemical spills, and other situations where someone can get hurt.

 

Chaperones, program leaders, and instructors can contact EHS at 607-255-8200 or askEHS@cornell.edu with specific questions or concerns.​

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Reporting Incidents and Illnesses

 

Report any illness, accident, or incident to an adult Chaperone immediately. If you feel unwell, please contact the nurse. 

 

Please follow the NYS 4-H Crisis Action Plan and Career Explorations Communication Tree (shared with Chaperones at Chaperone Orientation) to report these incidents to event leadership. Additional emergency preparedness resources available from Cornell Emergency Management.

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Importance of Nametags

 

All 4-H Career Ex participants must wear their identification nametag around their necks throughout the event. The nametags will enable participants to seek emergency care or assistance throughout campus, enter the dining hall, and allow 4-H Staff and Cornell program presenters to identify conference participants.

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Cell Phones

 

Please turn off or keep cell phones on silent during programs. Lead Chaperones, University U Group Leaders, and Focus Assistants will have their phones on silent in case of emergency. If you need to make a call during a program because of an emergency, please go out into the hallway or away from the group to not interrupt the program.