Background checks
All Tier I and Tier II Individuals must undergo a biennial screening process, which includes at least both a multi-state criminal background check and National Sex Offender Registry screening.
Tier I and II Individuals must successfully pass the biennial screening process in order to interact with Minors on VCU’s campus or as part of VCU Programs. Individuals who do not successfully pass the screening process are prohibited from interacting with Minors in a University or Non-University Program.
There are two options when requesting background checks:
- Human Resources - If the individual is a VCU employee that has had a break in service for six months or more, HR will conduct the appropriate background checks as part of the hiring process.
- Sterling Volunteers
When a Program registers through the Youth Program Registration Form, they will be prompted to provide information on the pathway they are taking for background checks.
If the Program already has an account with Sterling Volunteers, they will be given the option to select their background check package. Notifications for completing a background check will be sent to Program Staff through the registration system as well as from Sterling Volunteers.
If the Program plans on completing background checks with Sterling Volunteers but does not have an account established yet, they will need to visit the webpage on Sterling Volunteers for instructions on creating an account before completing the registration process.
If the Program has completed background checks through a different platform in the last two years (either through the VCU hiring process or another background check vendor), they should email youth@vcu.edu with more information on how your background checks have been completed.
More information on the steps for making the correct selection regarding background checks in the Registration Form, as well as how to get background check information entered into our registration system, Ideal-Logic, please visit our FAQs (Where can I get information about background checks and screening requirements?).
The Screening Eligibility Requirements outlines convictions that would normally render an individual ineligible to work or volunteer with University or Non-University Programs. It is intended to assist Program Supervisors when reviewing screening results in compliance with the policy.
Biennial screenings for Tier I Individuals
Tier I Individuals who are VCU employees and have worked for the university for more than two years will need to undergo a biennial screening process.
Equity and Access Services offers the Sterling Volunteers background screening platform as a resource for programs and activities involving youth on VCU’s campus. Sterling Volunteers can be used to screen both volunteers and employees as required under the Protection of Minors Policy.