[Approved March 22, 2006]

 

Minutes

FACAS meeting 3/1/06

 

Present:  D. Biers, G. Doyle, P. Johnson, E. Gustafson, T. Lasley, C. Phelps (chair), B. Turk, L. Hausmann

 

Absent:  A. Abueida, M. Mullins, L. Kloppenberg, P. Thimmes

 

Guests:  J. Untener, T. Washington

 

Prior to the meeting a second draft of the faculty background check policy was received from the Provost’s office and distributed to the committee.  The agenda for the meeting was to meet with Mr. Joe Untener and Mr. Troy Washington to discuss the new draft.  In addition to the second draft, a release form provided by the company who would be conducting the background checks was also given to the committee.  The committee presented a number of concerns and suggestions regarding the next draft which included the following:

  • “Crime” is not well-defined.  Could a list of crimes or exemplars which would exclude one from consideration for employment be generated?  SOEAP has such a list and T. Lasley agreed to forward that to the Provost’s office.
  • Release form is too encompassing and should be more limited.  Additionally, because the release form also provides opportunity for self-disclosure, the release forms should be sent directly to the Provost’s office rather than the department chair. 
  • The right to dispute results of the background check should be expressed to candidates earlier in the process
  • What about part-time faculty?  Should at least an Ohio check be conducted?
  • Under the guidelines for new hires, does the phrase “other instructional positions” imply that current faculty could be asked to undergo a background check if their current position within the University changes?
  • Under the verification of background checks, the process which occurs following reception of the background check in the Provost’s office needs to be more carefully articulated.

 

Mr. Untener and Mr. Washington expressed appreciation for the consultation with both the full Senate and the FACAS.  The next draft will be forward to the FACAS and as soon as possible.  It is anticipated that it will be presented to the Senate in the April meeting.