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Policies and Procedures for Submission of Background Check
National Louis University requires that all candidates placed in a school for field experience pass an Illinois State Police and FBI fingerprint background check. This is consistent with state law that requires Illinois school districts to conduct criminal background investigations of applicants for licensed and non-licensed positions. A candidate whose background check results in a status of "no record" may be placed in the schools. Students placed in a community agency may also be required to pass a background check.
Candidates cannot begin any field experiences without a “passed” background check. Candidates are responsible for all fees connected with this procedure. Candidates may be required to complete an additional background check prior to student teaching, practicum or internship.
A candidate may not be placed in any school or community agency if the background check determines that he or she has been convicted of criminal behavior that, by law, automatically prohibits him or her from attaining Illinois licensure.
The offenses that automatically prohibit certification include first degree murder, any Class X felony, juvenile pimping, soliciting a juvenile prostitute, exploitation of a child, obscenity, child pornography, criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual abuse, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, some offenses set forth in the Cannabis Control Act, and some crimes defined in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act.
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure eligibility for placement based on the background check. Graduate students in MAT programs should complete criminal background checks within the first week of classes at NLU. Undergraduate students should work with their academic advisor to discuss timing. In the event that the student cannot be placed due to the background check, Academic advisors can assist the student in choosing alternative majors. There is no guarantee that courses will be transferrable between programs and no financial reimbursement will be given.
