Criminal Background Check Policy

The School of Pharmacy requires criminal background checks on its students prior to matriculation and annually thereafter. The initial and subsequent criminal background checks must be completed by July 1 each year. Failure to comply with required criminal background checks will delay progression or render a student unable to complete the professional degree program. The results of the criminal background check will be shared with experiential sites upon request and refusal by a selected site to admit a student may delay graduation. Students are responsible for the costs of the criminal background check. The following procedures will be followed:

• Applications to pharmacy school request disclosure of any convictions, including pending adjudications. The PCSP Bulletin states that “Falsification of any application materials will be grounds for denial of application or expulsion from the School.”
• The criminal background check will be initiated by the applicant at the time an applicant is accepted to the school.
• The criminal background check is a mandatory prerequisite for matriculation into the professional program. Acceptance letters sent by the School to accepted applicants disclose that matriculation is contingent upon a successful criminal background check. The criminal background check is not a component of the application or interview process and is not conducted or reviewed until after an applicant is accepted to the program.
• Applicants will be allowed 10 days to review and dispute a criminal background check before the results are released to the School. Criminal background check results will be automatically released to the School after 10 days if applicants do not place a hold on the results.
• Ultimate decisions about the matriculation of an accepted applicant whose criminal background check reveals information of concern will be made by the Admissions Committee of the School of Pharmacy. The following factors will be considered when evaluating information:
• The nature, circumstances, and frequency of any offense(s). Specifically, the Admissions Committee will evaluate the potential for harm to patients, harm to members of the PC community, eligibility for licensure, and eligibility to participate in Introductory and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences at affiliate institutions.
• The length of time since the offense(s).
• Documented successful rehabilitation.
• The accuracy of the information provided by the applicant in his/her application materials and upon initiation of the criminal background check.
• Information from criminal background checks that is unrelated to continued enrollment will not be included in the students’ permanent file.
• Information obtained will be used in accordance with state and federal laws.