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In 2018, the University of Illinois made conditional job offers to numerous applicants. After reviewing background checks, 25 offers were withdrawn.

The University’s Hiring Process

Every year, thousands of people apply for positions at the University. Those who appear to be eligible move on to the next step. After resumes are reviewed and interviews are conducted, the University determines which people are most qualified. Those individuals are granted a conditional job offer.

At that point, the applicants are asked to authorize a background screening. These background checks can verify each person’s employment and educational history and show if they have any reportable convictions. This information helps University administrators select the best person for every job opening.

25 Offers Revoked

A report created by the University’s Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer was submitted to the Board of Trustees in March 2019. It stated that 4,569 background checks had been run on job seekers over the last twelve months.

Out of those, 25 conditional offers were withdrawn. According to the report, this can happen if a candidate has a criminal conviction that is a: “nexus to the duties and responsibilities of the position sought.” The revoked offers were said to represent approximately.2% of the background checks the University ran within a one year period.

Background checks can return a variety of reportable criminal records. It is important to note, however, that not every conviction warrants denial of employment. Convictions should be reviewed to determine how long ago they occurred, if they are relevant to the position and whether or not hiring the person could create a risk for the employer, existing staff or the public.

At the University of Illinois, a Hiring Risk Assessment Review Committee reviews convictions and makes recommendations Their goal is to determine if a candidate’s criminal history renders them ineligible to work with and around students. The Executive Director of University Relations said this about the process: “The safety of University students and employees is one of the highest priorities of the University. This is just one element of the things that the University can do to try and ensure that level of safety to the best of its ability.”

Creating A Safe Work Environment

Every employer is responsible for taking steps to ensure the safety of their staff, customers and anyone who has contact with people who represent their brand. Running background checks is an ideal way to demonstrate you are performing the due diligence that is required to create and maintain a safe work environment.

If you are bringing on employees, contractors or volunteers, then it is paramount to first run criminal background checks. The experienced team at Backgrounds Online can help you customize FCRA compliant background screening packages that are perfectly suited for any position in every industry. Contact us for immediate assistance from a certified background screening professional. We are available Monday through Friday from 5am to 6pm PT.