Annually, over 600 high school students schedule college courses from many disciplines at Penn State campuses.

Per recent changes to the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law (PACPSL), Penn State Altoona will continue to provide courses this spring for qualified dual-enrolled students, in full compliance with the required background checking requirements listed below:

Faculty who teach classes in which dual-enrolled students under the age of 18 are registered, as well as staff who provide professional or support services, such as advising, counseling, or tutoring and students who serve in peer roles such as advising, mentoring, or tutoring to these students, are required by state law to have the following three clearances: Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check (SP4-164), Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Form (CY-113) and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check (Criminal History Report). Effective January 1, 2016, all individuals (current employees and new hires) interacting with dual-enrolled students under the age of 18 are required to have valid clearances in place.

To ensure compliance in all future semesters, Penn State Altoona will identify sections of courses that typically enroll the most high school students and confirm that faculty teaching these courses have completed the required background checks. This course list will be shared with current and future dual-enrolled students through their guidance counselors and academic advisers and through print and Web information.

In addition, staff and students who provide services such as academic advising, tutoring, and mentoring will be required to complete the three required background checks.

Questions regarding Penn State Altoona's compliance with PACPSL can be directed to Kristie Putt, director of youth outreach and dual enrollment, at [email protected].