University Adopts New Background Check Policies and Procedures

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas has implemented new policy and procedures for background checks in hiring for specific campus positions. The changes were made to comply with the University of Arkansas System memorandum regarding background check requirements.

The new hiring policies and procedures went into effect July 1 and adapt the systemwide policy to the specific needs of the Fayetteville campus. The purpose of the new hiring policy and procedures is to improve security on campus. The policy authorizes the use of criminal record, financial, and substance abuse-testing information in making employment decisions.

The policy is being applied to positions that deal with a broad range of risk. These include:

• Positions that require the handling of cash funds and processing of numerous credit cards, or having extensive cash management duties, with access to cardholder data sets or access to the cardholder data processing or storage environment.
• Security sensitive positions in finance and administration, development, enrollment services, student financial aid, ISIS and information technology services, with access to confidential information such as social security numbers or systemwide passwords.
• Positions in which the primary job duty involves providing care or supervision for vulnerable populations, such as persons under 18, medical patients, mentally ill or developmentally disabled persons.
• Positions performing duties in residence halls and Greek houses.
• University police and other security positions.
• Non-academic safety-sensitive positions; for example, those dealing with high voltage power distribution, locksmith duties, environmental compliance and health and safety.
• Positions with regular access to personal spaces such as residence halls, Greek houses and athletic locker rooms.
• Staff positions designated as safety officers or that operate facilities distributing hazardous substances.
• Senior administrators, including, but not limited to, vice chancellors, deans, and positions such as treasurer, the executive director of university housing, the director of the University of Arkansas Police Department, and the director of the Pat Walker Health Center.

The Office of Human Resources has contracted with a third-party firm to run the required background checks, and steps have been taken to ensure that all information collected remains confidential. Background checks will be made only on the finalists being considered for any of these risk-sensitive positions. The types of checks will depend on the responsibilities of the individual position.

Faculty, staff and administrators currently employed by the university will not be subject to background checks unless they are finalists for a new position at the university that falls under the new policy requirements. However, some positions, such as child care workers, university police and CDL license holders will be subject to ongoing screenings in the course of their employment with the university.