Criminal Background Check for Certification
Loyola University Chicago (LUC) requires that prior to their initial field or practicum/internship experience in the schools, all candidates for Illinois certification submit to a criminal background fingerprint check by the Illinois State Police as outlined in the attached LUC Criminal Background Check Information Sheet. This is consistent with the state law that requires Illinois school districts to conduct criminal background investigations of applicants for certified and non-certified positions. A candidate whose background check results in a status of "no record" may be placed in the schools. Loyola University Chicago will not accept criminal background check reports from sources other than Accurate Biometrics.
Policies and Procedures for Sumbission of Background Check
Criminal background checks must be completed at the time specified for each program listed below. It generally requires three - six days to obtain the results of a fingerprint check. Candidates can not begin any field experiences without a “passed” background check. Candidates are responsible for all fees connected with this procedure.
The background check is submitted in a sealed envelope. If a candidate is uncomfortable submitting the results of the background check, he/she may opt to open the envelope in the presence of an SOE official. Individual results will not be shared with the school. See the chart below for specific information.
A candidate may not be placed in any school 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 certification.
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.
In the event that no district will accept a student because of his/her criminal history, the School of Education will assist the student in choosing an alternative course of study.
| Program | When | To Whom | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Undergraduate | Application for Admission to Teacher Education | Senior Academic Advisor |
A second background check may be required by the host school during student teaching. |
| M.Ed. Elementary | Prior to the fall Internship | Coordinator of Clinical Services | A second background check may be required by the host school during student teaching. |
| M.Ed. Secondary | CIEP 414 | Coordinator of Clinical Services | A second background check may be required by the host school during student teaching. |
| Ed.S./Ph.D. School Psychology | CPSY 421 | Internship Coordinator | |
| M.Ed./Cert. only School Counseling | CPSY 421 | Placement Coordinator | |
| M.Ed. Reading M.Ed.School Technology M.Ed. Special Education |
Prior to the seond semester of classes | Coordinator of Clinical Services | This background check is waived with documentation of current employment in a public/private school district indicating completion of a fingerpring criminal background check. |
| M.Ed./Ed.D./Cert Only - Administration & Supervision/Type 75 M.Ed. Instructional Leadership |
Prior to the second semester of classes | Associate Dean of Student Academic Services | This background check is waived with documentation of current employment in a public/private school district indicating completion of a fingerpring criminal background check. |
Where to go for a Background Check
The School of Education contracts with Accurate Biometrics for a special price of $30.00 for LUC candidates. Submit the Finger Print Application form to any Accurate Biometric location to receive this discount price.
Items to bring:- Government issued picture identification (i.e. driver's license, passport)
- Cash, money order or certified check (no credit cards or personal checks)
- Completed Finger Print Application
The School will schedule on-campus fingerprinting once or twice each semester. For dates on-campus, please see the School of Education Calendar.
