Background Check Information and Resources

Amended: 11/22/2023

Provided by:  Department of Human Resources

Related Links and Resources:

• Collective bargaining agreements  
• Faculty: Faculty should refer to the handbook of their primary school affiliation for guidance.
• Postdoctoral Scholars Handbook
• Background check policy and process information

This policy applies to all temporary workers, staff, limited term staff, postdoctoral scholars, faculty, or any other members of the Tufts community or who are otherwise covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Tufts University is committed to providing a safe working and learning environment for its employees, students, and visitors. It also seeks to protect its assets, preserve its reputation; and comply with laws, regulations, and agreements. Depending upon the position and the duties within the University, employment, continued employment, or volunteer or contractor services, may be contingent upon a satisfactory background check.

As part of the hiring process, for at-will, contract, and temporary staff, as well as all faculty positions the University verifies employment and identity, collects professional references and background check information for the final candidate who is offered employment at Tufts, to the extent permitted and in accordance with applicable law. In situations where the work requires additional clearance, Tufts also complies with Massachusetts’ laws that require clearance for working with minors and vulnerable populations as part of specific work on behalf of the University. All faculty, staff, students, volunteers, contractors and other members of the Tufts community who may have direct and unmonitored contact with minors and/or vulnerable populations in the course of their employment or service activity will be given thorough reference and background checks. In direct, patient-facing areas of the university, there may be additional background checks required as a condition of continued employment in those schools and/or clinics. Staff or faculty who take on additional roles in the university, where other conditions of employment are required, such as additional background screening, licensing, vaccination or reporting requirements, must be met as a condition of that new/additional role. All background checks will be conducted in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Tufts University will consider the seriousness and extensiveness of adverse information in deciding eligibility for employment. Job applicants and/or current employees who are subject to background checks will be given an opportunity to explain any discrepancies between the job application and the results of the background check. Any material misrepresentation on the job application either by omission or falsification of information may be grounds for denial of employment, withdrawal of an employment offer, or dismissal of an employee.

All background check information will be kept confidential. Background check information and confidential materials are appropriately warehoused in secure systems of origin or according to standard best practices.

Follow this link for additional information on the background check process.