BACKGROUND CHECK PROCEDURE FOR
FULL-TIME/PART-TIME FACULTY AND INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF
Universities, like other
organizations, function in an increasingly litigious society and face numerous
liability issues. Accordingly, prior to
inviting a candidate to campus or making an offer of employment, TCU will
ascertain whether a prospective faculty/instructional staff member has a felony
conviction or been on probation as a result of a felony pleading by conducting
a criminal background investigation.
The information obtained from the
background check will be confidential and will comply with the Fair Credit
Reporting Act. Disclosure of a criminal record does not automatically
disqualify an applicant from consideration. Each situation will be evaluated on
its merit; however, the University reserves the right to withdraw consideration
of an applicant depending on the findings.
Prior to extending an invitation
for an on-campus interview for a full-time faculty/instructional staff
position, the school/department asks each of the top candidates to sign a
release form to permit a criminal background check. The release form is
returned to the Provost’s office, which is responsible for obtaining a criminal
background check.
Prior to submitting a
recommendation to appoint a new adjunct faculty member, the school/department
asks the top candidate to sign a release form to permit a criminal background
check. The release form is returned to
the Provost’s office.
The Provost’s office will notify
the school/department that a candidate may be scheduled for a campus visit (or
that an adjunct recommendation may be submitted). If a candidate is found to
have an adverse record, the provost, dean and department chair will convene and
discuss the findings prior to scheduling an on-campus interview (or submitting
an adjunct faculty recommendation).
The school/department ultimately
recommends appointment of the candidate to the appropriate dean and the
Provost. Upon approval of the
recommendation, the Provost issues a formal appointment letter and/or contract
to the chosen candidate.
Endorsed by
Provost’s Council, Faculty Senate Executive Committee, and Cabinet
October 2005
Provost