Service learning allows students the opportunity to apply knowledge or skills they learn in the classroom to serve a community need. This may involve placement in an organization that serves minors. If the organization serves minors, then the PIC policy may apply.
Service learning that takes place on IU property must comply with the PIC policy requirements. If a service learning activity takes place off of IU property, the IU department/unit involved should determine what policies the external organization has in place regarding working with children and background checks. When the external organization has policies in place that address children and background checks, the organization's guidelines should be followed. If it is determined policies are not in place at the external organization, the IU department/unit should ensure all IU employees, students, and volunteers have complied in full with the PIC policy, and the organization should be made aware of this compliance.
The IU department/unit should be transparent and notify the external entity that a student may not have been screened or background checked prior to participating in the program. This decision should be based on the specific program/event and situation, and discussion of it should also be documented and preserved for future reference.