Student Articles

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-8-2016

Abstract

In assignment one, the writer reviewed the literature regarding the issue of colleges, universities, or any institution of higher education utilizing criminal background checks to assist in making admissions decisions. Currently, 66% of 273 colleges and universities conduct background checks into prospective students and 25% of those institutions would automatically disqualify the student from an admission if an offense is discovered (Ramaswamy, 2015). The writer’s current place of employment which is an institution of higher education (a community college) does make an inquiry at the time of initial application as well as an application for re-entry of one’s criminal justice history on the student’s admissions application. The disclosure of a criminal justice history will not disqualify the prospective student from matriculation at this college. Upon disclosure of a past criminal offense, the writer’s higher education institution will have the prospective student meet with the campus dean of student affairs or their designee to review and acknowledge receipt of the student code of conduct (Broward College, 2016). The writer’s higher education institution does not conduct background checks on their own, leaving the responsibility of self-disclosure with the student. However, if the student fails to disclose any offenses and they are found to have misrepresented that information on their application, the student could be subject to disciplinary measures up to and including expulsion from the institution (Broward College, 2016). The writer’s institution has an opportunity to institute a change management approach regarding this procedure. While the writer’s institution does not disqualify ex-offender prospective students, there is an opportunity to provide a stronger support mechanism to this student population.

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