Background Check Policy

It is the policy of Hope College to conduct a background check before making an offer of employment. This will be limited to checking criminal convictions, felony charges, state and national sex offender lists, and terrorist watch lists. In the event a particular position involves access to large sums of money, a credit check will also be required. The background check information will be ordered and reviewed by only one person designated at the College. The designee will share this information with the hiring supervisor only when it is relevant to the job performance. All candidates will be informed of their right to review the check for accuracy. If the background check uncovers information that is potentially disqualifying, the candidate will be informed and given the opportunity to respond. Results of this check will remain confidential unless essential for the College’s legal defense in a lawsuit involving the candidate.

Guidelines for Reviewing Criminal Background Check

Each situation must be evaluated individually based on the severity of the conviction(s) and how recent the criminal activity occurred. However, individuals with a record of conviction for arson, criminal sexual conduct (class 1 -3), rape, prostitution, murder, habitual offenders, embezzlement and/or conviction for violent crimes will be disqualified.

Drug related offenses will be evaluated in light of the severity of the offense, the total criminal record and how recent the criminal activity occurred.

Assaults, domestic violence, stalking, breaking and entering, criminal sexual conduct (class 4) and other related crimes are cause for concern and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and in light of the individual’s complete criminal record and how recent the criminal activity occurred.

Single traffic offenses alone, including Operating While Impaired, are not grounds for disqualification. A habitual offender of driving infractions involving alcohol or drugs will be disqualified.

Any felony conviction will be a potential for disqualification however the length of time that has elapsed since the conviction and the nature of the offense will be taken into consideration.

Hope College reserves the right to make the final determination and to ban any worker from our property regardless of the nature of the conviction.