Penn. State introduce new background check policy

criminal background check before approval of their work at the University. Three of the University’s prior policies (HR69, HR95 and HR96) have been combined into the new HR99 policy, “Background Check Process,” incorporating a more comprehensive procedure that also ensures compliance with recently issued U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines on background checks. “To provide the safest possible environment for our students, faculty, staff and visitors it is imperative that Penn State implements consistent and thorough background check procedures,” said Susan Basso, associate vice president for Human Resources. “This policy will help the University make sound hiring decisions and also will help minimize risk for the University.” The new policy establishes a clear process to ensure that a candidate’s criminal history and any potential child abuse records are reviewed. An employment background check will be used solely to evaluate candidates’ eligibility to be engaged in any work capacity by the University. “The updated background check policy reflects best practice and is part of a comprehensive program of due diligence and proactive safety measures, ” said Basso. “By consistent implementation of the policy, we’ll ensure a safer environment for all of Penn State’s employees, students and visitors. ” This is a significant move following the nightmare that the university has recently gone through regarding the Sandusky saga, and is clearly a strong reaction to prevent something like that happening again. Do you think a policy like this will suffice?  ]]>