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Background Check FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Why has Dartmouth instituted a background check policy?

Dartmouth College ("Dartmouth") is committed to ensuring that its academic and research missions are supported by qualified staff members and that its community is as safe as possible. Dartmouth is also committed to taking meaningful actions to protect its finances, property, and other assets. This policy sets forth Dartmouth's procedures for conducting pre-employment background checks for all staff positions.

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How will the background check information be used?

Information discovered through the background check process will be used solely for the purpose of evaluating a finalist's suitability for employment. It will not be used to discriminate against a finalist on the basis of race, color, religion/creed, sex/gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, genetic information, marital/familial status, disability, military, or veteran status.

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When are background checks required?

Background checks are required on the finalist for all staff positions, except temporary employees not directly paid by Dartmouth, student employees, unpaid interns, and volunteers, unless background checks are required by state or federal law, an accrediting body, or Dartmouth, due to the nature of the role.

A background check will also be required on a current employee of Dartmouth if they transfer or are promoted and have not had a background check in the prior five (5) years or the new position requires an enhanced background check.

Shift changes where the employee continues to hold the same position in the same department or lateral position changes within the same department resulting from a reorganization or restructuring of a work unit are exempt from this requirement.

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When will I receive the background check form?

Once you have been notified that you are the finalist selected for the job and you have accepted the offer of employment contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, you will be emailed a link by a third party vendor, HireRight, to consent to the background check process.

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How long does it take to fill out the background form?

Allow for approximately 30 minutes.

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How long does it take to complete the background check process?

The background check process takes approximately 5 - 10 business days.

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When can I start work?

Once you have filled out the applicant data form and signed the consent to be background checked and submitted this information to HireRight, you may start work with the understanding that continued employment is contingent upon the successful completion of the background check process.

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What if I object to having a background check?

Refusal to consent to a background check will make you ineligible for employment.

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How do I access the background check forms?

Dartmouth has contracted with a third party vendor, HireRight, to conduct background checks. You will be supplied (via secure email) a user name and password for temporary access to their online web-based system. To ensure that your information verification proceeds efficiently, please complete all sections of the form that are applicable; see sample form at the end of FAQ's.

  • The background check applicant data form will be emailed to you by our third party vendor, HireRight.
  • The email subject line will appear as: Dartmouth College Background Verification for EMPLOYEE NAME
  • Return reply will go to: HireRight Customer Support customersupport@hireright.com

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What is included in a standard background check?

  • Verify your last seven years of employment, including your current employer
  • Verify your highest degree completed
  • Criminal and sex offender histories
  • Licenses, if required by the position, such as:
  • driver's license or a specific professional license
  • A credit check may be required if the position gives an employee access to money or credit information

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What information do I need to fill out on the background check form?

  • You will need to provide your name, address, date of birth and social security number.
  • You will need to provide the following details for your employers of the last seven years, including your current employer:
  • name of company, city, state and country, start date and end date of employment, job title, phone number and contact person or department to verify dates of employment. Please do not enter any salary information; this is not required. NOTE: If this is your first job, you will be able to choose "no employment" as an option.
  • You will need to provide the following information on the school(s) where you obtained your completed degree(s):
    • name of school, city, state, country,
    • dates attended,
    • date graduated and your major.
    • Please note that if High School is your highest level of education, in the "major" field, enter "general." If you have no education, there is a field to indicate this.
  • Please do not list degrees in progress/pending.

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Should I list professional certifications and/or corporate trainings in the "Education" fields?

Please do not list corporate trainings or professional certifications. We only want your completed degree information; if you have a Graduate Certification from a College or University,then that may be listed.

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The HireRight vendor has contacted me and asked for W-2's or a 1099 because they can't verify my employment dates.

Please supply HireRight with your last W-2 for the employer you have listed; please send this information in a timely manner to HireRight so the hiring process can be completed.

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My employer has gone out of business or been purchased/merged with another employer.

If your employer has been purchased or merged with another company, please indicate the current/new name of the company and provide a phone number to their HR department. If your employer has gone out of business, if possible, please provide a name and phone number for your supervisor.

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I am a current Dartmouth College employee; do I still have to list 7 years of employment?

Current Dartmouth College employees only need to indicate that Dartmouth College is their current employer and Human Resources will verify your employment with the College.

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I am a current Dartmouth College employee; do I have to have my education verified?

If it is determined that your new position with the College will require a background check, we will verify your highest completed degree, criminal and sex offender histories, and employment dates at the College.

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What if I do not agree with the information that is verified by HireRight?

If you disagree with the degree verification, employment dates, or you have questions regarding information that HireRight Customer Services is requesting from you, please contact the Office of Human Resources at Dartmouth College and ask to be connected to the Recruitment Department – 603-646-3411. If the information you disagree with is in regard to a criminal finding, you will need to address this through the adverse action process; you will receive a written Pre-Adverse Action Notice along with a document detailing your rights. You will receive a copy of the background check report upon which Dartmouth intends to rely.

You will be able to discuss the Adverse Action Process with one of our HR Consultants should you have questions. Please call the Office of Human Resources at 603-646-3411 and
ask to speak to an HR Consultant regarding your background check.

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I have a question; who can I call at the College?

You may contact the Office of Human Resources at 603-646-3411. 

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How does the process work?

  1. You will be sent an email inviting you to consent to a background check:
  2. The email subject line will appear as: Dartmouth College Background Verification for CANDIDATE'S NAME.
  3. Return reply will go to: HireRight Customer Support customersupport@hireright.com

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Last Updated: 2/20/18