Background Checks & Drug Testing (aka Fingerprinting ) (109)

Category: EMPLOYMENT
Issued: January 1, 1993
Last Reviewed: August 17, 2006
Responsible Office: HR Organizational Services (212) 870-2425

It is the policy of the University to provide and ensure a safe and secure environment for all members of the University community and its property. As part of this mandate, background checks and drug testing may be required of prospective employees who have already received a bona fide offer of employment, depending on the nature and duties of the position(s) sought. The University may also require applicants to undergo fingerprinting as a condition of employment. Applicants for such positions will be notified of this requirement during the job interview.

Any hires working in areas having access to confidential information will be subject to a background check, including credit and criminal history.

Any department that can demonstrate a need to conduct pre-employment background checks and/or drug tests on a class of positions or a finalist for an open position, must first receive authorization from Central HR (AVP, HR Organizational Services at Morningside Heights or AVP, Human Resources at Medical Center). If appropriate, Central HR will authorize the check, receive the results and determine whether further action is warranted. The use of information obtained by this policy will be in compliance with all applicable laws.