Background Checks

The university conducts background checks to promote a safe work environment, protect key organizational assets such as people, property and information, and enable the hiring authority to make prudent hiring decisions based on more comprehensive job-related information.

Background checks may be conducted on new hire candidates or existing employees as a result of a transfer, promotion or job reclassification in accordance with the critical functions of the position. The full policy is found in PPSM Appointment 21, Section VI.

In accordance with applicable UC policy or labor agreements, background checks may be conducted on new hire candidates or existing employees as part of a transfer, promotion or job reclassification.

The background check includes the following records searches:

  • Criminal felony and misdemeanor records (past 7 years, all counties, aliases and maiden names revealed by a Social Security number trace)
  • National sex offender database
  • National criminal search
  • Education records (highest degree)
  • Employment records (past seven years or previous two employers)

Other searches such as credit, motor vehicle, or professional license verification may be conducted as the job's critical functions require.

University of California Personnel Policies for Staff Members (UC-PPSM) apply to all non-represented staff employee personnel matters. The local policies and procedures linked below provide guidance on how university-wide policies are implemented at UCOP.

Employees who are represented by a union are subject to the terms and conditions of the respective collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).

Links to other policies and CBAs: