Background Checks

Background Checks

Washington and Lee University seeks to provide a safe and productive environment for faculty, staff, students and visitors. To accomplish this goal, the University performs background checks for all positions and for those volunteering at W&L.  The background checks may include but not be limited to reviews of criminal history, sex offender registry, degree and employment verification, and motor-vehicle-license checks.

Motor-vehicle-license checks will be conducted on candidates being considered for positions that require the use of University vehicles or require a valid driver’s license. Additional motor-vehicle-license checks may be performed throughout employment. For positions that require the operation of a motor vehicle, checks on convictions shall include misdemeanor traffic violations. If a driving record indicates major violations,(e.g. driving under the influence, reckless driving, driving while license is suspended or revoked, or a pattern of repeated violations), this may be deemed an indication of poor judgment or lack of behavioral control. No offer will be made to a candidate with repeated offenses. Employees whose positions require driving on University business are required to maintain an unrestricted, valid driver’s license and insurance coverage as long as they are in the position necessitating this requirement. Employees must promptly report any changes in restrictions on their license or in insurance coverage to their supervisor and to the Office of Human Resources.

All background checks performed by outside agencies will conform to the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The University will conduct and utilize these background checks as they relate to the fitness for duty for a particular position, in accordance with the law. A relevant job-related conviction is grounds for termination of employment or non-selection of an applicant. Falsification of application materials, including failure to disclose misdemeanor or felony convictions as required during the hiring process or employment, is grounds for termination of employment or non-selection of a candidate. Background checks are administered by the Office of Human Resources.

The University participates in the national E-Verify photo matching tool to match the photograph appearing on some permanent resident cards, employment authorization cards, and U.S. passports with the official U.S. government photograph.