If I have a criminal record, will that affect me being placed at an agency?

The University does not conduct criminal background checks on students. However, almost every field agency requires a criminal background check. Federal and state laws mandate criminal background checks for persons placed in many settings. Any criminal record (infraction, charge, misdemeanor, or felony) may impact a student’s eligibility for placement in certain agencies. Students must disclose to the Director of Field Education or designated Field Coordinator any criminal background, including any and all expunged and/or dismissed charges, as they will still appear on background checks. Students may be ineligible for placement, or terminated from an agency, if criminal background information comes to light without prior disclosure. The Field Director and/or Field Coordinator can provide insight to students as to potential opportunities and barriers to securing a field practicum site but cannot guarantee placement or choice of placement. Information disclosed will be used only for the purpose of determining appropriate field options. Please note:  If a student cannot be placed, they will not be able to continue in the MSW program.

In the event a student is arrested or charged with a new offense, or is convicted during the program, the student is required to disclose this information to the Director of the School of Social Work, Director of Field Education, Field Coordinator, and Academic Advisor within 48 hours of arrest, charge, or conviction. Students may be terminated from the program if an arrest or charge comes to light without immediate disclosure.

Failure to provide the required disclosures or notices will be deemed as a deception and will be handled as a form of academic dishonesty in addition to any other violations. Arrests, violations, and/or convictions which violate University and/or department policies or standards could result in sanctions.

Students who are arrested, charged, or convicted during the program are not permitted to return to field placement until further notice. The student will be referred to the Student Review Committee for an initial review of the situation. The student assumes the risk involved with disclosing information and thus may choose not to disclose information. However, if the student chooses not to disclose information, the Student Review Committee will not be able to determine a course of action.

If a student is charged with a new offense, the student will most likely be required to take a leave of absence until the case has been resolved and a decision has been made by a court of law.  A student MAY be permitted to complete classroom coursework for the current semester. Once the outcome of the specific case or circumstance has been determined, it is the student’s responsibility to inform the Director of the School of Social Work, Director of Field Education, Field Coordinator, and Academic Advisor. At that time, the student will be referred to the Student Review Committee again for consideration of specific factors and implications related to the social work profession and their ability to return to the program and field work.