April 12, 2006

TO: HR Pros

FR: Carol Carrier, Vice President for Human Resources

RE: Background Checking Program

The Office of Human Resources has been planning a new approach in conducting background checking to minimize University risk by ensuring hiring practices include conducting background checking when needed.

At this time we are ready to begin using our new vendor, HireRight Inc., to conduct background screening for the University of Minnesota.

Initially we will begin with conducting background checking only for positions where background checking is legally required or where the University has already established a practice of conducting background checking.  Although we will not conduct background checking for all new hires at this point, we will continue to research and gather information on other successful background checking programs.  In the future our program may be expanded .

The process for requesting a background check is being changed to ensure compliance with privacy regulations.  The request, receipt, evaluation, interpretation, and maintenance of all background checking reports will be handled by the Office of Human Resources.  Designated staff in the Job Center will work collaboratively with the individual units in determining a candidate's suitability for employment as background checking results are evaluated and communicated in a timely manner.  Responsibility for initiating, billing, and payment for background checking will remain the responsibility of each college or administrative unit.

An outline of the new procedures and the required forms can be found at http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/toolkit/hiring/background/ 

If you have any questions, please contact Dyan Matczynski at (612) 626-9460, or Laura Negrini at (612) 626-1644, or email us at:  bkresults@hr-mail.ohr.umn.edu.

Beginning immediately units are expected to handle all background checking through the Office of Human Resources using this new program and procedure.  Please arrange to discontinue using Verifications Inc (or any other vendor) and communicate within your unit the requirement of following the new centralized procedures using HireRight.  We look forward to working with you as we implement this change. Thank you.

Cheryl (CJ) Madsen, Manager
HRMS Production Support
660 WBOB - mailing address
538 WBOB - Office location
612/626-7963 Phone
612/626-8924 Fax