Background checks and vetting methods are essential for any organization with employees. But higher education institutions have more specialized concerns and needs that make background checks and security even more critical.
Why Background Checks Matter in Higher Education
Federal laws require criminal background checks for educators in public schools but not for higher education institutions. But that doesn’t mean background checks aren’t still necessary. Some states require criminal background checks for new hires or individuals in certain positions, so if that applies to anyone on your institution’s payroll, you want to stay compliant.
There’s also the question of liability and safety. Most higher education students are legal adults. But some freshmen students attend the university as minors, and many institutions have programs that children participate in, like dual enrollment or youth programs. Background checks can help mitigate this risk.
Background checks can:
- Improve hiring decision and the quality of staff
- Help mitigate safety or security concerns
- Reduce potential of negligent hiring claims
- Prevent “resume scandals”
- Protect and preserve the school’s reputation
Types of Background Checks Typical of Higher Education Institutions
Identity Verifications
Verifying the identity of candidates through a social security number trace is a common hiring step that universities and colleges shouldn’t skip out on. It’s a simple, effective way to prevent fraud. The SSN trace identifies the link between a candidate’s name and the social security number, current and previous addresses, the state of issue and whether the number is valid or not.
Criminal Records Research
Any organization that hires employees must know if someone they’re considering hiring has a relevant criminal record. This is especially important at universities, where employees and contractors may access valuable research equipment and educational resources. While many universities and colleges are lenient on candidates with criminal records, there are certain types of crimes and associated behaviors that should not be ignored.
Sex Offender Registry Checks
Higher education institutions often have unattended minors on campus. Others may be dealing with high sexual assault rates on campus. Running sex offender registry checks on all employees that spend time with students is a valuable way to prevent problems and show the institution is doing its due diligence.
Employment Verifications
Employment history factors into virtually any hiring decision. Higher education jobs are often highly sought-after, which increases the incentive for applicants to inflate their resumes. Employment verifications ensure hiring managers are making decisions based on accurate information.
Education Verifications
In higher education, a faculty member’s educational background is everything. Education verification is crucial to make sure any potential new faculty member, intern, fellow, or Ph.D. applicant has the educational background they’re claiming.
Motor Vehicle Records Review (Drivers)
Most campuses have a lot of pedestrians and students walking around at all hours of the day. To prevent safety issues and accidents, it pays to make sure any staff members that drive institutional vehicles around and off campus have clean driving records.
International Criminal Records Research
Higher education institutions tend to have more international students and staff than the average organization. Conducting criminal records on international applicants is a whole different beast than domestic background checks, but it’s no less important.
How to Conduct Background Checks with First Contact HR
Higher education institutions have enough on their plate without having to worry about background checks. That’s why it pays to outsource to a specialist who can conduct thorough background checks without you having to worry.
For more information or to request a quote, reach out to First Contact HR today.