Employment Background Check Process
Purpose
The University of Richmond is committed to providing a safe and secure environment to its community of students, faculty, staff, volunteers, and visitors. The background check policy is intended to support the verification of credentials, criminal history and other information related to employment and appointment decisions that assist the University in meeting this commitment.
Application
Background checks will be completed for all final selection candidates for tenure and non-tenured track faculty positions, staff and temporary employees, adjunct faculty, paid and unpaid faculty, visiting scholars, volunteers, scientists and researchers. Background checks may also be conducted on any current employee who is offered a promotion or transfer which, in the University’s discretion, warrants such a check.
Background checks may include but are not limited to:
- Sex and Violent Offender Registry Check
- Education Verification
- Reference Checks
- Department of Motor Vehicle records
- Review of criminal records
- Verification of social security number
- Verification of employment records
- Credit history (for positions with financial responsibilities)
Types of Background Checks
Criminal background checks will be conducted for all final selection employee candidates. Some positions may also require checks in any of the following areas:
- Sex and Violent Offender Registry Check
- Education Verification
- Reference Checks
- Department of Motor Vehicle records
Guidelines
An employment offer is contingent upon the successful completion and results of the background check. New employees, paid and unpaid faculty, visiting scholars, volunteers, scientists, and researchers are not permitted to work on campus until the background check is cleared. The existence of a conviction does not automatically disqualify an individual from employment rather, information from the background check results will be considered on a case-by-case basis. In this regard, the University of Richmond will consider multiple factors, including, but not limited to:
- the nature, number and gravity of the conviction(s)
- its relevance to the particular duties and responsibilities of the position
- the time elapsed since the conviction
- whether there is a pattern of offenses
- the truthfulness of the candidate in disclosing the conviction(s)
All background check processes will be administered by the University of Richmond’s Human Resources Department or by a reputable third party reporting agency.
In each case in which a background check will be performed, the individual will be asked to complete and sign a release authorizing the University and/or third-party vendor to conduct the background check. If the individual fails to sign the release, any offer for employment, promotion or transfer will be rescinded, and any current employment with the University may be terminated.
Background check reports will be obtained and reviewed by Human Resources, who may confidentially review the information with the appropriate member of senior staff, the University’s legal counsel, or others with a need to know.
If an individual is to be denied employment, promotion or transfer wholly or partly because of information obtained in a background check, the individual will be so informed in advance of any adverse action. In addition, where required by law and to the extent applicable, the individual will be given;
- a copy of the relevant background check report
- a summary of the individual’s legal rights concerning the background check report, and
- the name, address and phone number of the third-party vendor if the individual has questions about the results of the report or wants to dispute the accuracy of the report.
For more information, contact URHR at 804-289-URHR (8747).