Background Check
A background check may be completed prior to field experiences. Students must use the program-designated agency for obtaining the background check and release the results to their program. Clinical sites may require additional background checks in an alternate format or time sequence. Full disclosure of any charges and/or convictions of a misdemeanor of felony must be reported prior to the off-campus portion of the program, regardless of how long ago they occurred. The only exceptions are: offenses committed while a juvenile, traffic violations which did not involve drugs or alcohol, or charges which were dismissed. Disclosure of charges and/or convictions will not automatically disqualify your progression in the program.
A student whose background check indicates a felony violation may not be able to obtain a license through his/her state or be eligible to sit for national certification. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate an investigation with the appropriate agency for the purpose of gathering data about obtaining a license or certification. Results of this investigation must be shared with the student’s faculty adviser for informed career planning purposes. Program progression will be decided by the faculty members and/or the clinical site based on the seriousness of the felony, date of occurrence, and the action of the state or certifying agency.
A student with a misdemeanor violation involving drugs, alcohol, or sexual misconduct may not be able to obtain a license through his/her state or be eligible to sit for the national certification. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate an investigation with the appropriate agency for the purpose of gathering data about obtaining a license or certification. Results of this investigation must be shared with the student’s faculty adviser for informed career planning purposes. Students must use the designated agency for obtaining the background check and release the results to their program. Program progression will be decided by the faculty members and/or the clinical site based on the seriousness of the misdemeanor violation involving drugs, alcohol, or sexual misconduct, date of occurrence, and the action of the state or certifying agency.
Students having other misdemeanors in their background should consult with the program director and/or chair about the implications for program progression. Individual decisions will be made about the student’s progression.