APPENDIX E
Procedures for Obtaining Criminal Background Checks and Frequently Asked Questions
This Appendix describes the procedures for obtaining criminal background checks for University employees (staff and faculty), Volunteers, and Non-Employee Adults in Lehigh Sponsored Programs or in Third Party Programs as required by the University Protection of Minors Policy (the “Policy”). For information about who must undergo a criminal background check, how criminal background checks are reviewed and used by the University, who must report Abuse of minors, and related topics, please consult the Policy. This Appendix may be updated from time to time as necessary.
Getting Started: Background Questionnaire; Disclosure and Authorization Form
The University has engaged a third-party vendor, CBY, to assist the University and its applicants, employees, and volunteers in obtaining the necessary criminal background checks. After the University initiates the background check process on behalf of an applicant, employee, or volunteer, the individual will receive an email from [Vendor] or the University that will ask the applicant, employee or volunteer to complete a background questionnaire. The questionnaire should take approximately 15 minutes to complete. After completion of the background questionnaire, an associate from CBY may contact the applicant, employee or volunteer for additional information during the verification process.
As part of the questionnaire process, the applicant, employee or volunteer will also be asked to electronically sign a Disclosure and Authorization form consenting to the required background checks and allowing [Vendor] to verify the information the applicant, employee or volunteer provides and share its results with the University.
Pennsylvania State Police Access to Criminal History (“PATCH” or Act 34 Background Check) and Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151 Child Abuse Background Check)
After the applicant, employee or volunteer’s background questionnaire is processed the Vendor will conduct and provide to the University (1) the Act 151 Child Abuse Background Check; and (2) the Act 34 Background Check.
Federal Criminal History Record Information (Act 24 Federal / FBI Criminal History Background Check)
After the applicant, employee or volunteer completes the background questionnaire, the individual will receive an email from CBY or the University providing the applicant, employee or volunteer with instructions on how to get fingerprinted, as required for the FBI Criminal History Background Check, and a list of local sites at which the individual may have their fingerprints taken. Individuals should receive results of the FBI Criminal History Background Check by mail within 10-15 business days of their fingerprinting. Upon receipt of the results, the applicant, employee or volunteer must return the results to the University within five (5) business days.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Act 153 and Lehigh's Protection of Minors Policy