Phase II: Background Check Implementation for Faculty--Effective July 1, 2018

On July 1, the second phase of implementation of the university-wide background checks will go into effect.  This phase will focus on all Class 1 and Class 7 faculty positions.  The first phase of the implementation went into effect on March 26 for all Class 1, 3 and 4 staff hires.   

Under the new process, prior to commencing employment with the university, all job offers will be conditional upon the completion of a successful background check. The elements of a background check will vary depending upon the type or level of position being sought; these may be viewed within the new policy when it is promulgated. 

All job postings and offer letters of employment must state that employment at the university will be contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.  Please include the following verbiage for all Class 1 Faculty and Class 7 Part Time Lecturer (PTL) offers:

“Offer is contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.”

University Human Resources has conducted multiple information sessions and trainings over the past few months to facilitate the successful implementation of this process. It is important to note that all positions must be posted through the ROCS system. This will be the mechanism by which finalists will be identified and background checks prompted in a streamlined and time sensitive manner.     

The university will continue its practice of following the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s Enforcement Guidance on the Consideration of Arrest and Conviction Records in Employment Decisions under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, as well as other Federal and State statutes governing the use and safeguarding of information obtained from background checks.

The new program and revised policy will compliment Rutgers Policy 30.1.9. Protection of Minors. Rutgers Policy 60.9.32 Background Checks for Candidates for Staff Positions will be rescinded and replaced by the new policy.

Hiring managers can contact University Human Resources at 848-932-9185 for information on the university process for background checks or via email at backgroundcheck@hr.rutgers.edu.

Thank you in advance for your assistance and your cooperation in implementing this important and necessary endeavor.

Please note, the new initiative outlined above will not affect the current Legacy UMDNJ background check process, except that all faculty positions must be posted in ROCS.

Sincerely,

Vivian Fernández
Sr. Vice President for Human Resources and Organizational Effectiveness