Background Check Policy

Effective Date: 10/1/09

Purpose

This policy is intended to protect the college’s interests and the well-being of its students, staff, faculty and the public. The policy establishes parameters for criminal history checks on individuals who are offered employment at the college. Convictions disclosed or discovered in the employment process may influence the selection of the applicant where the conviction is job-related or if it is deemed that the employment of the individual poses high risk to the college community.

Policy

Prior to employing faculty and staff members, Sarah Lawrence College will conduct a background check.

Background checks will be conducted on the following individuals:

New staff members who receive offers of employment on or after 10/1/09
New faculty members who receive offers of employment effective with the spring 2010 semester and thereafter.

Drivers License Checks will be conducted on the following individuals:

All individuals who drive college vehicles, regardless of their first date of employment (including faculty, staff and students).

Checks to be performed:

All Newly Hired Staff Members:

County Criminal Felony and Misdemeanor, to include all counties within the last seven years (based on social security number trace)
National Criminal Database and National Sexual Offender Search
Education Verification (if appropriate)

Newly Hired Staff Members Who Work in the Finance Department or With College Finances or Cash:

County Criminal Felony and Misdemeanor, to include all counties within the last seven years (based on social security number trace)
National Criminal Database and National Sexual Offender Search
Education Verification (if appropriate)
Credit History

All Newly Hired Faculty Members:

County Criminal Felony and Misdemeanor, to include all counties within the last seven years (based on social security number trace)
National Criminal Database and National Sexual Offender Search
Education Verification

All Drivers of College Vehicles:

Motor Vehicles Report

General Disclosure to Applicants:

The online employment application includes the following language:

Staff

I certify that the information that I have provided in this application and supporting documentations is true, complete and correct. I authorize Sarah Lawrence College and its employees to verify any information contained in this application or supporting documentation through whatever means deemed appropriate. In addition I understand that an offer of employment or continued employment is expressly conditioned upon satisfactory results of a verification of educational credentials (when applicable) , a criminal history check, driver history check (when applicable), certifications and/or other licenses (when applicable) and/or credit check (when applicable). I further understand that false answers, statements or omission of facts on this application, supporting documentation and any employment interview shall be grounds for denial of employment or immediate discharge. I understand and agree that in the event that I am employed by Sarah Lawrence College, such employment is for no specific period of time but is on at at-will basis, and may be terminated at any time without prior notice or stated reason by either myself or Sarah Lawrence College.
By clicking Continue, I certify that I have read and agree with these statements.

Faculty

Disclosure and Permission Immediately Prior to Performing the Background Check

Prior to performing the background check, the Office of Human Resources will contact the candidate by email and request that they log on to the HireRight website to provide permission for the check. All procedures for the check will be explained at that time.