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FAQ for Policy 6.6.2, Reference Checks, Information Verification, and Background Checks
Cornell University requires units to conduct a thorough reference check, education and employment verification on any applicant (internal and external) to whom an offer of benefits-eligible employment is to be made.
Additionally, a background check is required, as outlined in the procedures of the policy; in such cases, offers of employment must be contingent upon the satisfactory completion of the background check. Populations covered by the policy include:
Colleges/units have the flexibility to require background checks on individuals, to whom the contingent offer of employment has been made, beyond what is required by policy.
In accordance with the university’s philosophy of a fair and unbiased hiring process, Cornell representatives will not ask an applicant to disclose information regarding criminal convictions until they have extended a contingent offer of employment. The reference checking, information verification and background check process is to be completed, with satisfactory results, before the first day of work. In a limited number of cases, and with the prior approval of the unit HR representative, Cornell will allow an individual to begin employment, unless working with children under 18 years old, contingent upon the successful completion of these processes, with satisfactory results, within 30 days of their start date.
If the candidate had a background check, with satisfactory results, in the past six months and the hiring unit has access to the results, a new background check is not required.
Depending on the position and/or candidate you will need to consider which package is most applicable, for example, if the position requires the candidate to drive a university vehicle a Basic Domestic + DMV might be the best option. There are a variety of options to choose from; a full listing with definitions is available at the bottom of this page.
No. It is a violation of the NYC Fair Chance Act and inconsistent with the university’s commitment to having an open, inviting and inclusive application process to include any reference to a background check in the advertising language.
You must follow the adverse action steps and contact the Office of Workforce Recruitment and Retention.
All checks are retained for seven years and are accessible on the SterlingONE platform.
If the candidate’s experience has been in a country that the US does not have diplomatic relations the country will not appear as a selection option. In this case you will want to run the Extended Global Sanctions check. This checks thousands of sources internationally that include individuals who have been placed on a watch list, exclusions list, sanctioned and prohibited parties list by the United States Government, European Union, United Nations Security Council, World Bank and other foreign governments. Sources include, but are not limited to international sanctioning bodies, law enforcement agencies, and regulatory enforcement agencies. Databases referenced include, but are not limited to, Denied Parties, The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)'s Specially Designated Nationals (SDNs), Blocked Persons, FBI Most Wanted list, Interpol Most Wanted, Terrorist Watch Lists, and World Bank Debarred Parties.
The university has reserved funds for and will cover the cost and associated fees of information verification and background check efforts, as required by this policy. The requesting unit is responsible for covering the cost and associated fees of information verification and background check efforts for all other positions, and for any checks beyond those required by policy.
Invoices for background checks covered by policy must be submitted through an I Want Doc using the central account number. Any expenses for checks not covered by policy are to be covered by the local college/unit accounts
| Package Name | Products Included | Product Description |
|---|---|---|
|
DMV |
DMV Driving Records |
Motor Vehicle Record |
|
Basic International |
International Criminal Search |
Search of criminal records outside the United States |
|
Basic Domestic |
SSN Trace |
Database search to identify additional names and addresses associated with the candidate |
|
Basic Domestic - Excludes Education |
SSN Trace |
Database search to identify additional names and addresses associated with the candidate |
|
Basic Domestic - Excludes Employment |
SSN Trace |
Database search to identify additional names and addresses associated with the candidate |
|
BASIC+DMV DOMESTIC |
SSN Trace |
Database search to identify additional names and addresses associated with the candidate |
|
BASIC+CREDIT DOMESTIC |
SSN Trace |
Database search to identify additional names and addresses associated with the candidate |
|
BASIC DOMESTIC + INTERNATIONAL |
SSN Trace |
Database search to identify additional names and addresses associated with the candidate |
|
BASIC+CREDIT DOMESTIC & INTERNATIONAL |
SSN Trace |
Database search to identify additional names and addresses associated with the candidate |
|
BASIC DOMESTIC - Excludes Education & Employment |
SSN Trace |
Database search to identify additional names and addresses associated with the candidate |
|
BASIC LIMITED + DMV |
SSN Trace |
Database search to identify additional names and addresses associated with the candidate |
|
DOMESTIC: CAMPS/REUNION - CRIMINAL ONLY |
SSN Trace |
Database search to identify additional names and addresses associated with the candidate |
|
Employment Verification |
Employment Verification |
Verification of the last 7 years of employment |
|
A la cart Education Verification |
Education Verification |
Verification of the highest degree received and enrollment (if applicable) |
|
Global Sanctions Search |
Extended Global Sanctions Search |
Database search of thousands of sources internationally that include watch lists, exclusions list, sanctions & prohibited parties list by the US Government, European Union, UN Security Council, World Bank, and other foreign governments |
|
International Education |
International Education Verification |
Verification of the highest degree or enrollment (if applicable) received outside the United States |