Volunteer where curtains rise and kids grow.
From playground clean-ups to overnight trip chaperoning, UAFA volunteers keep our arts community running. Here's what it takes to get involved — and what's expected of you once you're in the building.
Every volunteer starts here
No matter which level you're registering for, these things apply to everyone who volunteers with UAFA.
Download the link to our Volunteer Handbook: Volunteer Handbook (PDF)
Mandated Reporter training
All volunteers must complete the ProSolutions training for Mandated Reporters and demonstrate an understanding of the expectations before volunteering.
Photo ID, every visit
All visitors and volunteers show a photo ID at the school's reception area and receive a name badge before entering the building.
Complete the handbook
Completed pages of our volunteer handbook are required for every level of volunteering, prior to your first activity.
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, volunteers working on playground construction or facilities maintenance when school is not in session.
- Volunteer Release & Waiver of Liability form
- No background check required
Supervised interaction
Non-UAFA personnel with direct interaction with students, always alongside other adults. When Level 2 volunteers interact with students, 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
Personnel who 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
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 conducted on a limited basis onsite. 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
Volunteers who serve consistently — national service members, university tutors, visiting instructors — must also submit a Volunteer Application, an EEO Self-Identification Form, a Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement, and a copy of a driver's license plus Social Security card or passport.
What we expect once you're 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 of who else is nearby
- Don't discipline students yourself — get a teacher immediately 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
Dress code for volunteers
Keep it simple: dress the way you'd want a role model dressed. The following are not permitted while volunteering.
Reach out to your Engagement Coordinator
For volunteer documentation, registration, or questions about which level applies to you, contact your school's Engagement Coordinator below.