Spring Break
Screening process required for new hires
Josh Wendt
Issue date: 2/27/08 Section: News
Individuals looking for a job in the UW System have one more test to pass now with the introduction of mandatory background checks added to the hiring process.m
As of Jan. 1, 2008, criminal background checks are required for all new hires in the UW System.
This new step in the hiring process has been put in place to ensure the safety and security of all students, faculty and staff, as well as the security and integrity of the university's many valuable resources, according to a UW System memorandum.
"The UW System started background checks mainly looking for any history of sexual violation because of the atmosphere [of a college campus]," said Kathy Mather, Human Resources Manager at UW-Whitewater. "We also look for anyone who may have had a felony in regards to money handling."
University Police Chief Matt Kiederlen said the new policy can only help the University Police.m
"This will help eliminate negative actions taking place," Kiederlen said. "Arguments and altercations that may occur between co-workers can be reduced more as you ensure you are getting people who don't have a negative background."
The policy is aimed at full-time university employees and will not be imposed on newly-hired student workers with some exceptions.
Prior to the new policy, background checks were conducted but only for positions dealing with childcare, funds handling or the University Police force.
"Students who work in childcare or a financial department will be checked and have been for as long as I can remember," Mather said.
The policy will, however, apply to students who may work on campus during the summer because of the various camps run on campus and the presence of children.
The new mandate is not something that applies to those already hired by either UW-Whitewater or any other institutions in the UW System. That is to say background checks will not be administered to those employed with the university prior to the date the policy went into action. Also if an employee transfers to another institution in the UW System they will not be checked.
The idea of having mandatory criminal background checks has been in the works for the UW System since June 2006. The complexity of a system-wide initiative caused the lengthy time between the ideas proposal and the new policy.
The background checks will be run through both the Wisconsin and national criminal databases.
The University Police Department Web site also lists all students and employees on the sex offender registry from the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.
As of Jan. 1, 2008, criminal background checks are required for all new hires in the UW System.
This new step in the hiring process has been put in place to ensure the safety and security of all students, faculty and staff, as well as the security and integrity of the university's many valuable resources, according to a UW System memorandum.
"The UW System started background checks mainly looking for any history of sexual violation because of the atmosphere [of a college campus]," said Kathy Mather, Human Resources Manager at UW-Whitewater. "We also look for anyone who may have had a felony in regards to money handling."
University Police Chief Matt Kiederlen said the new policy can only help the University Police.m
"This will help eliminate negative actions taking place," Kiederlen said. "Arguments and altercations that may occur between co-workers can be reduced more as you ensure you are getting people who don't have a negative background."
The policy is aimed at full-time university employees and will not be imposed on newly-hired student workers with some exceptions.
Prior to the new policy, background checks were conducted but only for positions dealing with childcare, funds handling or the University Police force.
"Students who work in childcare or a financial department will be checked and have been for as long as I can remember," Mather said.
The policy will, however, apply to students who may work on campus during the summer because of the various camps run on campus and the presence of children.
The new mandate is not something that applies to those already hired by either UW-Whitewater or any other institutions in the UW System. That is to say background checks will not be administered to those employed with the university prior to the date the policy went into action. Also if an employee transfers to another institution in the UW System they will not be checked.
The idea of having mandatory criminal background checks has been in the works for the UW System since June 2006. The complexity of a system-wide initiative caused the lengthy time between the ideas proposal and the new policy.
The background checks will be run through both the Wisconsin and national criminal databases.
The University Police Department Web site also lists all students and employees on the sex offender registry from the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
tj
posted 2/27/08 @ 12:15 PM CST
What's that, Great White? Oh, right: once bitten, twice shy. (How about twice bitten?)
I think we can unofficially call the required background checks rule the "Ross and Jones" clause. (Continued…)
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