Get Involved
Share your time and talent with our scholars. Here's everything you need to know before you sign up.
Volunteer Handbook (PDF)Before you sign up
Every volunteer starts here
No matter which level you're registering for, these apply to everyone who volunteers with UAFA.
Mandated Reporter training
All volunteers must complete the ProSolutions training for Mandated Reporters and show they understand what is expected before volunteering.
Photo ID, every visit
All visitors and volunteers show a photo ID at the school's front desk and get a name badge before entering the building.
Complete the handbook
Completed pages of our volunteer handbook are required for every level of volunteering, before your first activity.
Volunteer levels
Three levels, three degrees of access
UAFA assigns volunteers to one of three levels based on how much contact they'll have with students. Each step up requires more clearance.
No student contact
Non-UAFA personnel with no interaction with students — for example, helping with playground construction or facilities work when school is not in session.
- Volunteer Release & Waiver of Liability form
- No background check required
Supervised interaction
Direct interaction with students, always alongside other adults. A UAFA employee or at least two other adult volunteers must be present at all times.
- Cleared from the National Sex Offender Registry
- Required training + Release & Waiver on file
Unsupervised access
May have unsupervised interaction with students — such as overnight chaperoning, tutoring, or serving as a national service member. This is the highest level of clearance UAFA grants.
- Full national & statewide criminal history background check
- FBI fingerprint screening; allow up to two weeks before a field trip
- Clearance is valid for two years once approved
Required under Georgia law O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34.2: volunteers with unsupervised access to children must undergo fingerprint screening and an FBI/state criminal history check to determine their suitability to work with children.
Getting registered
How Level 3 clearance works
Chaperoning overnight, tutoring, or any unsupervised role means a background check. Here's the timeline.
Start at least two weeks out
Register early — especially before a field trip. This gives time for fingerprinting and for Human Resources to process your background check.
Get fingerprinted
Fingerprinting is done onsite on a limited basis. A $53 fee applies and can be paid by credit or debit card through the online registration system.
Wait for clearance
Don't assume you're cleared until you hear back — unless you're a law enforcement official. Once cleared, your Level 3 status is valid for two years.
Ongoing or paid roles need more paperwork
Regular volunteers — national service members, university tutors, visiting instructors — must also submit a Volunteer Application, EEO Self-Identification Form, Confidentiality Agreement, and a copy of a driver's license plus Social Security card or passport.
Standards of conduct
What we expect on campus
All volunteers
- Present photo ID at the front office and arrive on time
- Be 18 or older
- Put students' best interests first, in every decision
- Maintain professional, honest relationships with students, staff, and families
- Follow local, state, and federal law, plus school policy
- Keep privileged information confidential
- Refrain from promoting partisan politics or sectarian religion on campus
- Safeguard school property and equipment
Chaperones, specifically
- Supervise students at all times — they stay with your group
- No cellphone use for non-emergency, non-trip purposes; no working or reading while supervising
- Never allow students to use restrooms alone — go in groups and stay aware
- Don't discipline students yourself — get a teacher right away if there's an issue
- Avoid being alone with a single student, for everyone’s protection
- Carry a cellphone and exchange numbers with the Field Trip Coordinator
- Report any accident or problem to the Field Trip Coordinator right away
On campus
Dress code for volunteers
Keep it simple: dress the way you'd want a role model dressed. The following are not permitted while volunteering.
Not permittedClothing or accessories that are sexually suggestive, or show profanity, drugs, alcohol, or tobacco references.
Not permittedSee-through, tight-fitting, spaghetti-strap, strapless, extremely short, or low-cut tops, dresses, or shirts.
Not permittedPants, shorts, or skirts worn below the hip bone, or that show undergarments.
Not permittedSpandex, leggings, leotards, cutoffs, or pajamas — plus anything stained, torn, or ripped, or bare feet.
Ready to get started?
Reach out to your Engagement Coordinator
For volunteer paperwork, registration, or questions about which level applies to you, contact your school's Engagement Coordinator.