1. Why do all employees have to submit to a background check?

The safety of our employees and those they serve is of the utmost concern to the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. Requiring a background check of all employees is an important precaution that we can take to help ensure a safe environment.

2. Who does the background check?

A third party vendor will conduct the background check.

3. Who will see the results of the background check?

The assistant director for human resources and the agency director or designee.

4. Will results of the check be shared with the employee?

This is a “no news is good news” situation. Only results that may lead to an adverse employment action will be reported to the employee.

5. What happens if information about a conviction is found?

These will be handled on a case-by-case basis. If adverse action may occur, the employee will be notified.

6. What happens if the employee challenges the accuracy of information about a conviction?

The assistant director for human resources will provide the employee with instructions on how to challenge the accuracy of the criminal background check.

7. How thorough is the search for conviction records?

The background check vendor determines where an employee has lived and conducts a national criminal search, sex offender search, and an appropriate search of court records.

8. What happens if an employee refuses to sign a release for a background check?

Declining to submit to a background check is grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

9. What happens if it is discovered that an employee falsified an employment application or consent form?

Falsifying application materials or the consent form, including failure to disclose criminal convictions, is grounds for immediate termination of employment.

10. Where do I return the AG-473-Employee Background Check Disclosure Notice and Authorization Form?

Once completed, print and sign the form and return it to the Human Resources Office by e-mail HRBackground@ag.tamu.edu, fax 979-458-1046, or U.S. mail 2162 TAMU, College Station TX 77843-2162.