William Paterson University is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and productive educational and employment environment to the University community. In accordance with that goal, background checks are required of all prospective employees including faculty, adjuncts, and staff (managerial, professional, and classified, full-time, part-time, temporary, volunteer, project and seasonal). In addition, current employees who are promoted or transferred into a position that requires a background check may be subject to this requirement as well. The background investigation process will include, at a minimum, a criminal records search and Social Security number trace, a verification of employment history, reference check and/or verification of certification or professional license. For some positions, the verification will include a motor vehicle report, consumer credit report, sexual offender database search, physical/psychological testing, and/or drug screen. An offer of employment may be made to candidates and is contingent upon the successful outcome of the background screening process. The Office of Human Resources will work with the hiring manager to arrange for the applicable screenings. The information obtained through the verification process will be used consistent with the provisions of (1) the Fair Credit Reporting Act; (2) New Jersey’s Consumer Fair Credit Act; and (3) federal and state equal employment opportunity laws or regulations. The University will keep confidential all information obtained from background checks and it will be used solely for the purpose of establishing suitability for employment in a particular position. University Background Checks Policy Background Investigation Procedures Applicant/Employee Certification and Background Investigation General Release Consumer Disclosure and Authorization for Background Investigation Summary of Rights
