Definitions

background check: a search of federal, state and municipal jurisdictions for criminal convictions, national sex offender registration, driver’s license history, and education credential and professional licensure verification. For paid appointees, the University also checks federal contractor debarment status. These background checks are all intended to provide relevant information to the University about the candidate’s suitability for appointment in a particular position.

covered individual: an individual subject to the provisions of this policy

credentials: the highest job-related post-secondary degree, diploma or certificate and/or any professional license, registration or certification used to qualify the candidate, applied as a pay factor, or required by regulation for the position

criminal conviction: all prior criminal convictions and acknowledgements of criminal responsibility (e.g., pleas, prayers for judgment, etc.) for any unlawful offense, including those subject to the jurisdiction of a military court. Arrests and charges that do not result in a criminal conviction as well as any expunged actions are excluded and will not be considered in the hiring process.

driving infractions: all driving-related charges, prayers for judgment, and non-contested charges for which the covered individual has been found guilty and which are recorded on the covered individual’s driving record by a court and/or state motor vehicle licensing authority

faculty employee: any individual who serves as a paid or unpaid faculty member

independent contractor: an individual engaged by the University but determined to be a contractor rather than an employee based on U.S. Internal Revenue Service and University procurement guidelines

non-faculty employee: any employee other than a Faculty member who may or may not be covered by the State Personnel Act, commonly known as SHRA (SPA) and EHRA (EPA) Non-Faculty appointments

regulated select agent: a subset of biological agents and toxins that the Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture have determined to have the potential to pose a severe threat to public health and safety, to animal or plant health, or to animal or plant products.

unpaid affiliates: individuals engaged by the University in unpaid capacities in support of the University’s mission of teaching, research and public service (e.g., volunteers, interns and visiting scholars)