Background checks

The university conducts background checks to promote a safe work environment, protect key organizational assets such as people, property and information, and enable the hiring authority to make prudent hiring decisions based on more comprehensive job-related information.

Background checks may be conducted on new hire candidates or existing employees as a result of a transfer, promotion or job reclassification in accordance with the critical functions of the position. The full policy is found in PPSM Appointment 21, Section VI. All background checks will be conducted in accordance with university policy and applicable labor agreements.

Critical functions and types of background checks

A background check is required for each position performing a critical function. A list of critical functions can be found in the Hiring Manager's Toolkit. The job description/posting will indicate when a background check is required. The background check includes the following records searches: Criminal Felony and Misdemeanor (past 7 years, all counties, aliases, and maiden names revealed by a social security number trace), National Sex Offender, National Criminal Search, Education (highest degree), and Employment (past 7 years or previous two employers). Other searches such as credit, motor vehicle, or professional license verification may be conducted as the job's critical functions require.

Recordkeeping and reporting

UCOP Local Human Resources maintains a confidential log of all background checks completed for critical positions at UCOP.