BACKGROUND CHECK PROCEDURE FOR TCU APPOINTMENTS
Universities, like other organizations, function in an increasingly litigious society and
face numerous liability issues. Accordingly, prior to making an offer of employment,
TCU will ascertain whether a prospective employee (paid or unpaid) has a felony
conviction or been on probation as a result of a felony pleading by conducting a criminal
background investigation. Those requiring background checks include anyone having
contact with TCU students including: faculty, instructional staff, adjunct faculty, TA’s,
GA’s, DA’s, TCU tutors, Non-TCU tutors, Non-TCU graduate teaching assistants,
Professional Accompanists , Music Prep Instructors, Visiting Scholars , Researchers
or Scientists search Scholars on campus for one month or more.
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.
Procedure
Prior to submitting a recommendation to appoint any of the fore-mentioned positions,
the school/department sends the candidate’s name and email address to the Provost’s
Office. The candidate will be sent an e-invitation to complete an on-line background
check form. Once the candidate completes the form, the background check will be
processed.
The Provost’s office will notify the school/department that a background check has
cleared (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.
A Procedural Change: The sponsor department requesting a background check
on any international visitor must pay for the background check and seek
reimbursement from the visitor. The Provost’s Office will not pay for these
reports or seek reimbursement. The department will be asked for budget codes
when an invoice is received.
Endorsed by Provost’s Council, Faculty Senate Executive Committee, and Cabinet
October 2005
Revised June 2009; approved by Provost’s Council
Revised February 2015 by Provost
