Background Check Policy FAQ

FAQ

• Why do I have to do a background check?

  The General Assembly enacted laws governing child protection, which led to the Child Protective Services Law (CPSL). 

  For positions covered by the CPSL (e.g. whether the position is responsible for the care, supervision, guidance or control of minors, or otherwise has routine interaction with minors, other than matriculated students or prospective students visiting campus), the following three categories of background checks are required: 

  • Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) criminal history check
  • FBI federal criminal history check conducted upon the submission of fingerprints
  • DHS (PA Child Abuse) check confirming whether the individual is named in the statewide database as the alleged perpetrator in pending child abuse investigation or as the perpetrator of a founded or indicated report of such abuse.

  The law further requires that the checks be performed every 60 months.

  Effective Jan. 1, 2016, in accordance with Bucknell policy, if a position is identified as not being subject to the CPSL, new hires will undergo an FBI fingerprint check, unless criminal background checks in foreign jurisdictions are required.  

  Certain employees will still be required to have additional checks, regardless of whether or not they are covered by the CPSL, depending on the nature of their positions. These additional checks may include verification of education, employment, motor vehicle screens, credit history, etc.
   

   

• What does Bucknell look for in a background check?

  1. We look for any of the following convictions of Pennsylvania state-law offenses or an equivalent crime under federal law or the law of another state:
     • Criminal homicide
     • Aggravated assault
     • Stalking
     • Kidnapping
     • Unlawful restraint
     • Rape
     • Statutory sexual assault
     • Aggravated indecent assault
     • Indecent assault
     • Indecent exposure
     • Incest
     • Concealing death of a child
     • Endangering welfare of children
     • Dealing in infant children
     • Felony prostitution
     • Obscene and other sexual materials and performances (as it relates to disseminating to minors)
     • Corruption of minors
     • Sexual abuse of children
     • The attempt, solicitation or conspiracy to commit and of the preceding offenses.
  2. Whether or not the employee has been convicted of a felony offense under the Controlled Substance, Drug Device and Cosmetic Act within the five-year period immediately preceding the check.
  3. Whether or not the employee is named in the statewide DHS database as a perpetrator of a founded report committed within the five-year period immediately preceding the check.

   

• How far back do background checks go?

  Your screening result will reflect any charges from age 18, unless you were charged as an adult prior to that.

   

• Are the background checks nationwide or statewide?

  The FBI check is nationwide. The PSP and DHS checks are statewide.

   

• Where can I find instructions on how to get the background checks?

  New employees and volunteers will receive detailed instructions during their hiring or onboarding process. Current employees will receive advance notification when they need to renew their screening or complete a new screening.

   

• Is there a fee for background checks?

  Yes. Bucknell partners with a third party vendor to coordinate background checks for all employees. This vendor, in most cases, provides a prepaid code that covers the cost of each clearance required for your position. Please email employee.experience@bucknell.edu if you have questions or experience a problem with this process.

   

• When will the state or federal agencies send me my results?

  Most receive results in approximately two weeks from submission.

  In some instances, particularly with the Pennsylvania State Police screening, you may receive your result immediately at the time of submission. If you do not, you will receive instant notification that it will be mailed to the home address you provided during the online process.

  Your PA Child Abuse results are received via email. Please check your email(s). The results will be sent from a “no reply” address. You will be instructed to log in to your account at www.compass.state.pa.us/CWIS using your account username and password.

  All FBI results will be mailed. They will send your result to the address you provided during your online registration process. Most results are received within two weeks from electronic fingerprint submission. If you submit ink-based fingerprints, it can take approximately six weeks to receive your result.

   

• Do I get a copy of my results?

  Yes, all results are sent directly to you. It is your responsibility to share your result(s) with Human Resources at employee.experience@bucknell.edu.

   

• What if I have a criminal record?

  If the criminal history check indicates there are convictions, the Division of Talent, Culture & Human Resources will consult with our general counsel and review the report with the individual. The existence of a conviction DOES NOT automatically disqualify an individual from employment. There are a number of factors we take into consideration before reaching a decision. Any decision to accept or reject an individual with a conviction is solely at the discretion of Bucknell University. (All related information will be treated as confidential and protected as such.)

  In the event that the results of the background check influence a decision to withdraw an employment offer or terminate employment, Talent, Culture & Human Resources will inform the hiring department and the individual.

  All results of criminal and sex & violent offenders’ convictions or issues are considered confidential and will be maintained in confidential files within the Division of Talent, Culture & Human Resources.

   

• What if I have already had a background check done for another job in the past?

  You can provide a copy of your PSP, PA Child Abuse and/or FBI screening result from the previous employer. Results are valid for five years from the screening date. Results marked for volunteer purposes cannot be accepted for paid employment purposes.

   

• What if I lost my results or didn’t get my results?

  If you completed a CPSL or FBI screening within one year, please follow the instructions below. If it has been more than one year, duplicate copies of your results are not available from the agencies.

  To obtain a duplicate Pennsylvania State Police screening, call the PATCH help desk at 1-888-QUERY-PA (1-888-783-7972). Be sure to make the request using your control number and the date of initial request. Next, go to their website (epatch.state.pa.us), check the status of your record, and enter the information provided to you in your phone call. Your name must be entered exactly as it was on your initial request.

  For a duplicate FBI fingerprint result, contact the Department of Human Services via 877-371-5422 and provide them your TCN number (which is located on your IdentoGo receipt). They may verify personal information with you and will then mail your duplicate screening results.

  Your PA Child Abuse results are received via email and will always be accessible via your account. Please check your email(s). The results would have been sent from a “no reply” address. You will be instructed to login to your account atwww.compass.state.pa.us/CWISusing your username and password.

   

• Do Bucknell contractors and volunteers need to be screened?

  In accordance with Act 153 of 2014, Bucknell University requires the Pennsylvania Child Protective Service Law (PA CPSL) screenings for employees and non-employees (including volunteers, consultants, independent contractors, etc.) in recognized roles. A recognized role has access to or use of University buildings, equipment, resources, privileges, and/or programming not available to the general public.

  The CPSL/FBI check(s) are the required minimum background checks for all Bucknell University employees and non-employees in recognized roles. Certain individuals will still be required to have additional checks, regardless of whether or not they are covered by the CPSL, depending upon the nature of their positions.

  Individuals who receive a new employment/affiliation agreement and have not previously undergone a CPSL/FBI screening as determined by their role are required to complete the screening(s).

   

• I was hired before Bucknell began to require screenings. Do I need to be screened?

  We implemented a new policy in Compliance with Act 153
  Accordingly, Bucknell University requires that all full-time employees, as well as part-time employees and volunteers who have Direct Contact with Minors, undergo Background Clearance Checks, in addition to any required Pre-employment Background Checks. 

  • In addition, contractors, subcontractors, facility users, and/or individuals having Direct Contact with Minors are required to verify completion of Background Clearance Checks prior to their presence on campus for the project, program or event in which they are involved.
  • Independent contractors who have Direct Contact with Minors through their roles are required to undergo Background Clearance Checks and be able to provide results at the request of TC&HR.

  Background Clearance Checks are valid for sixty (60) months from the date of issuance. 
  As a condition of continued employment, all full-time faculty and staff must be recertified. Therefore, those that have not previously undergone background checks, must do so to initiate their compliance with this new policy.

  Possibly — there are several factors that may trigger the need to be screened. Examples include but are not limited to participation with a camp; a change to your employee or volunteer duties and responsibilities; a dual-enrolled minor in one or more of the courses you lead; a job shadow experience; and a new employment or affiliation agreement. In these circumstances, you may receive notification from Talent, Culture & Human Resources about the need for screening.

  Over the past several years, Talent, Culture & Human Resources has partnered with Bucknell programs and departments on a rolling basis to ensure that employees hired prior to the CPSL implementation complete necessary screenings. You will receive notification when screening is requested.

  If you have questions about your situation, please contact Human Resources at employee.experience@bucknell.edu.

   

• If my position requires a CPSL check, can I start working before I receive my results?

  No. Effective December 31, 2019, the Child Protective Services Law Act (CPSL) was amended. This amendment expressly removes the provisional–hire option for any Pennsylvania university, college or K-12 school. However, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services stated that it is required to process PA Child Abuse history clearances within 14 days when a request is received and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) criminal history background checks within 30 days from the date of receipt.