COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Background Check Policy

Implementation of the Policy:

Candidates seeking admission to the College of Education after the beginning of the Spring 2004 term, January 12, must submit a background check. All background checks are processed by Argus Services, Inc. (See attached application)

Candidates seeking approval for student teaching beginning with Spring 2004 must submit a background check prior to their placement at a school site. Candidates will be informed of this requirement by their Clinical University Supervisor under the guidance of Dr. Bercik, Assistant Dean, CEST Office. SPED Candidates will be informed by the SPED advisors.

Candidates in graduate programs for initial certification (e.g. MAT Programs and SPED) must submit to a Background Check prior to their initial clinical experience and prior to approval for student teaching. The advisors and coordinators of these programs are responsible for distributing information to candidates regarding these requirements.

All Background Check reports are to be submitted to the College of Education, Associate Dean’s Office, (use lock box on the wall outside CLS 4044 for drop-off). Background Check rules require that the files be kept under lock and key and have restricted access. The Associate Dean will inform the ARA Committee, the CEST Office, and the advisors of the advanced programs as to the status of candidates’ Background Checks on file, pursuant to requests from the above entities.

Candidates who currently work for a school and/or who have had prior Background Checks must contact Bob at Argus to determine if their respective Background Checks are sufficient and valid.

Use the email address to contact Bob; DO NOT phone.

Approved by the COE Dean's Council and COE Dean, Dr. Nan Giblin
September 3, 2003

ARGUS SERVICES, INC.
330 S. Wells Suite 514
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone 312-922-6766
Fax 312-786-9508
Email ops@argus-services.com

Detective License #117-000949

INSTRUCTIONS FOR REQUESTING BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

Northeastern Illinois University requires you to have a criminal background investigation as a condition of placement in the schools for clinical experiences. Our company will be conducting these background investigations.

Along with this instruction sheet you should have received a release form from NEIU personnel. Please fill the release form out completely. The required search will include a Social Security Trace, a Federal District Search and a Felony & Misdemeanor Search in every county/district of residence for the past 10 years and a Written Report in duplicate. Your cost for the search will be $47.00 plus any court costs we incur.

Payment must be made by check, or money order made payable to Argus Services, Inc. or you may pay by credit card. If you are paying by check or money order please mail your payment and release form to our office at the address above. If you are paying by credit card you may do so by mail or fax it to 312-786-9508. If you fax make sure you also include the release form.

When we receive your completed release form and payment, we will process your search. This usually will take one week. When the search is complete you will receive by mail two sealed envelopes containing our reports. One copy will be you, and one is for NEIU. When you receive the search results, open the envelope addressed to you and read the report. If any criminal results were found that would prevent NEIU from placing you at a school, they will be detailed on your copy. The copy for NEIU will not detail the results you receive. It will only state that you are eligible or ineligible for placement.

DO NOT OPEN THE ENVELOPE LABELED NEIU. If you decide that you want to share your background check with NEIU, you must deliver the NEIU envelope, with its’ original seal intact, to the designated sealed box at the NEIU Office of the Dean of Education. If you choose not to turn in your background check envelope, it will be assumed that you will not be seeking any clinical placements, and will withdraw from any classes requiring clinical placement. In the event that you do have a background which makes you ineligible for placement, NEIU suggests that you talk to the Dean of Students about how to proceed with your courses at NEIU.

Send this form and payment to:
ARGUS SERVICES, INC, 330 SOUTH WELLS, SUITE 514, CHICAGO, IL 60606

BACKGROUND REPORT AUTHORIZATION FORM

I hereby certify that I have received and read the FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT DISCLOSURE STATEMENT provided to me: (http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/fcra/summary.htm) and that I understand the disclosure statement. I hereby authorize Northeastern Illinois University, Argus Services, Inc. and their agents to obtain and review the “consumer report” or “investigative consumer report” on me described in the disclosure statement.

I release Northeastern Illinois University, Argus Services, Inc., and their agents from all liability or claims of any kind that I may have arising from the “consumer report” or “investigative consumer report”, the information it contains or the investigation from which such information is compiled. I further release all persons or entities from liability or claims that I may have arising from the furnishing of any information contained in the “consumer report” or “investigative consumer report”.

The following is my true and complete legal name and all information is correct.
PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY – Indicate all residences for the past 10 years, attach additional sheet if necessary.

*This information is required for identification purposes.