Reference Checks for Misconduct

Responding to Reference Checks for Misconduct 

Some institutions have begun asking for information about disciplinary action taken against faculty who are applying for positions. That is, when someone who has worked at universities A and B applies for a job to university C, university C will ask universities A and B if the person has been involved in any substantiated allegations of misconduct. Citation to Inside Higher Education article. 

Indiana University employs background checks for all employees, but those review public records. This new practice refers to internal university actions: for example, violations of the IU Academic Appointee Responsibilities and Conduct policy, or an Office of Civil Rights Compliance investigation, might result in dismissal but might not necessarily result in civil or criminal action.   

Below are IU Indianapolis actions upon receiving requests for information about candidates applying for positions at other institutions: 

• Any relevant IU Indianapolis office, e.g. at the school or campus level, may verify dates of employment, title or rank, and compensation. Formal requests for verification of dates of employment should be sent to Karen Lee at ude[dot]ui[at]rhdaca. Verification of professional practice should be directed to the school or department.   
  

• People whom the candidate has listed as references (e.g. his or her colleagues, chair, etc.) may respond to reference requests as they see fit.   

• If a request refers to any type of professional licensing and actions taken about that licensing, that request should be directed to the appropriate professional board, organization, or employer (e.g. hospital or clinic).   

• For all other requests, they should be directed to Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) at ude[dot]ui[at]rhdaca.   

Process: 

• OAA will review the specifics of the request and also what permissions the person referenced has provided. In consultation with IU General Counsel, we will determine if an IU-specific release of liability is needed.   

• After the person in question has adequately provided permission, OAA will request a check of records from the school, Office of Civil Rights Compliance, and campus faculty files, for formal, finalized disciplinary findings and actions. There will be no reporting of allegations or accusations that have not resulted in formal findings and actions.   

• OAA will send a summary to the requestor.   

For questions, contact Faculty Affairs at ude[dot]ui[at]rhdaca. For questions about current faculty who are in the process of being dismissed, contact the Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Willie Miller at ude[dot]ui[at]rellimmw.

Reviewed and revised: 4-2025.