Washington State University (WSU) conducts pre-employment screening on specified positions in order to protect the interests of the university's students, employees and resources. Pre-employment screening may include but is not limited to a criminal background check, verification of academic credentials, licenses, certifications, and/or verification of work history. WSU utilizes an online pre-employment screening system which requires a valid email address at the time of application.
To find out more about the Background Check Program, click on the links listed below. If you have additional questions or concerns about the program, contact Human Resource Services at (509) 335-4521 or send an email to background.check@wsu.edu.
General Information
Background Check Policy, BPPM 60.16
Summary of Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is an email address required to apply for a position?
Some positions are subject to a background check. Prior to extending an offer of employment, the hiring department will request a background check on their top applicant(s). An applicant is notified via e-mail to provide consent for a background check. Therefore, an email address is required to apply for positions.
What if I do not have an email address?
A variety of services for obtaining a free email address are available. Visit Hotmail or Yahoo! to learn more about obtaining a free email address.
I am applying for a job that says it is subject to a background check. What does that mean?
For certain positions, an applicant must successfully pass a background check as a condition of employment.
What gives WSU the right to conduct background checks?
Chapter 43.43, sections 815, 830 – 842 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) either requires or allows WSU to conduct background checks.
Are background checks only conducted on applicants who are not current WSU employees, or are current WSU employees also subject to background checks?
If a position requires a background check, then a background check is conducted on the top applicant(s). If a current WSU employee is the top applicant for a position that requires a background check, then a background check will be conducted on the current WSU employee.
What information is WSU looking for when conducting a background check?
It depends on the position. For example, a custodian position will have different background check requirements from an accountant position.
How will I know if a background check will be conducted on me?
You will receive an email request from HireRight, asking you to login to a secure website. You will then be asked to provide identifying information (e.g., Social Security number and birthdate) in order to run a background check.
Who conducts the background check?
WSU has contracted with a third party consumer reporting vendor, HireRight, to conduct its background checks.
If I provide identifying information in order to run a background check, is my information safe?
Yes. You will provide the information directly to HireRight via a secured server. The information you provide is strictly confidential and will not be shared with outside parties.
Will I receive notification if adverse information is found as a result of a background check?
Yes, WSU will contact you by mail. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you are entitled to disclosure of the adverse information contained in your background check.
If adverse information is found during a background check, will that disqualify me from further consideration for the position?
Not always. Any adverse information that is found during a background check can be taken into consideration by the hiring department if it directly relates to the duties and responsibilities of the job.
If adverse information is found during a background check that I do not agree with or is in error, what can I do?
You may request a copy by contacting HireRight directly, within sixty (60) days of notification from WSU of the adverse information. You also have the right to dispute the completeness or accuracy of the report with HireRight
