Logistical Resources

Minors Policy

All Duke courses and programs involving minors must comply with the Youth Protection at Duke University Policy.

Key Requirements Include:

Background checks: Required for all students working with minors, whether on campus or off campus, regardless of any additional checks required by partner schools or nonprofits.
Course and student registration: Faculty must register their courses and students through the Youth Protection site.
Program approval: Each program must be approved by a designated Dean or Vice Provost (list available on the Youth Protection site).
Training: All students must complete an online training module and quiz.

Working with Durham Public Schools (DPS)

If your course or program partners with Durham Public Schools, students must complete the DPS volunteer application process in addition to the Youth Protection process above.

The updated DPS process includes new resources to help students register and receive approval:

Duke–DPS Volunteer Application (flowchart explaining application types). Please see detailed instructions in this Duke Box or Canva link.
Step-by-step guide (screenshot walkthrough of completing the online application) - see Canva link.
Approval guide (how to confirm when volunteer approval has been granted) - see Canva link.

Approval and Troubleshooting

DPS approval will be communicated by email with the subject line “Approval Email – Volunteers” or “Volunteer Status – Durham Public Schools.” Approval is valid until June 30 each year.
If a student does not receive approval within a week, the most common issue is an incomplete step. Asking for a screenshot of the student’s DPS dashboard can help identify the problem.
If the dashboard shows completion but approval has not arrived, the DPS Volunteer Coordinator (Willa Sample, willa_sample@dpsnc.net) can provide assistance.