The University of Oregon is committed to supporting safe, high-quality youth programs through training, professional development, and community engagement opportunities for faculty, staff, volunteers, and student employees who work with youth.
Training and engagement opportunities include:
- Required Training - Meet university requirements for working with youth participants.
- Professional Development - Learn from experts on youth safety, belonging, and risk management.
- Peer Exchanges - Share ideas and learn from fellow youth program administrators.
- Summer Readiness - Prepare for staffing, supervision, and participant safety.
Our training and engagement efforts are grounded in a shared commitment to safety, belonging, and flourishing. Through compliance support, professional development, and collaboration, we help youth-serving programs create environments where young people are protected, connected, and empowered to thrive.
Registration and Participation
Youth program training and engagement opportunities are offered at no cost to University of Oregon employees, volunteers, student employees, and youth program personnel. Registration information, event details, and updates will be available through MyTrack, the university's learning management system.
Visit the MyTrack Training & Engagement Catalog to:
- Register for upcoming events.
- View the complete training calendar.
- Access event details and updates.
- Track professional development opportunities.
Some trainings may include a supplemental registration form for planning and attendance tracking purposes.
Required Training
All youth program personnel must complete required training and satisfy applicable compliance requirements before working with youth participants.
Required training includes:
Professional Development Series
The Professional Development Series brings together campus and external experts to share practical strategies, emerging best practices, and current topics related to youth safety, risk management, belonging, and youth development.
Wednesday, October 28 | 1:00-2:30 PM | Virtual
Building Effective Reporting Infrastructure for Concerns Involving Minors in Higher Education
Melanie Bennett, Senior Risk Management Counsel, United Educators and HepNet Board Member
Shelly Clark, Threat Assessment and Clery Coordinator, University of Oregon Safety & Risk Services
This training will provide practical guidance on reporting obligations, response protocols, and emerging claims trends involving minors in higher education. Participants will gain actionable strategies to strengthen reporting pathways, support informed decision-making, and promote effective institutional response and escalation practices.
Tuesday, February 16 | 1:00-2:30 PM | In Person
Creating Belonging Through LACE: Love, Authenticity, Courage, and Empathy
Dr. Yvette Alex-Assensoh, Vice President for Equity and Community, University of Oregon
Explore the principles of Love, Authenticity, Courage, and Empathy (LACE) and their application in creating youth-centered environments that support belonging and flourishing.
Thursday, March 11 | 8:30 AM Networking | 9:00 AM-Noon Program | In Person
Annual Youth Program Administrator Conference
Theme: Safety. Belonging. Flourishing.
The University of Oregon's annual gathering for youth program leaders and administrators. The conference brings together campus partners and youth-serving professionals to explore strategies that help young people experience safety, belonging, and opportunities to flourish.
Featured Keynote Speaker: Keavy Cook, Vice President of Community Impact, The Ford Family Foundation
Keavy Cook will share perspectives on creating environments where young people can thrive and the important role organizations play in fostering safety, belonging, and opportunity.
Featured Topics:
- Youth Program Compliance Updates
- Youth Mental Health and Well-Being
- Risk Management and Emergency Preparedness
- Belonging and Community-Building Practices
- Campus Partner Resources
- Summer Planning and Readiness
Additional speakers and session details will be announced as they are confirmed.
April 20 | 2:00 to 3:30 PM | Hybrid
Preparing for Summer: Practical Risk Management Strategies
Melanie Bennett, Senior Risk Management Counsel, United Educators and HepNet Board Member
Representative, Oregon State University 4H Youth Development Program (TBA)
A practical discussion of supervision practices, transportation considerations, overnight programming, documentation, parent communication, and other common youth program risks.
Youth Program Administrators Peer Exchanges
Peer Exchanges provide informal opportunities for youth program administrators to connect, share experiences, discuss challenges, and learn from one another.
November 12 | 1:00-2:30 PM
Looking Back to Move Forward
Reflect on the summer season by discussing lessons learned, emerging challenges, successful practices, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
Summer Readiness Series
Designed to help youth programs prepare for a safe and successful summer season, these workshops focus on practical planning, staffing, supervision, and risk management.
January | Date TBD
Hiring and Supervising Summer Staff
In partnership with Eugene Family YMCA and University of Oregon Human Resources
Learn effective strategies for recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, supervising, and retaining youth program personnel. Participants will explore how to build strong seasonal teams, establish clear expectations, promote accountability, and create a positive workplace culture. The session will also address risk management considerations, staff conduct, documentation, and approaches to supporting employee success throughout the summer.
May | Date TBD
Summer Safety and Supervision
In partnership with UOPD, University Housing, and Safety & Risk Services
Prepare for a safe and successful summer season. This workshop covers emergency response, hazardous weather, participant safety, overnight supervision, incident reporting, and staff responsibilities for residential youth programs.
Youth Safety Awareness and Prevention Initiatives
Child Abuse Prevention Month | April
Throughout April, the Youth Programs Office will partner with campus and national organizations to promote child abuse prevention awareness and youth safety through:
- Educational presentations and outreach
- Wear Blue Day participation
- Prevention resources and toolkits
- Youth program spotlights
- Awareness campaigns
- Featured speakers and events