Fair Chance Act changes background check process during hiring

Effective February 8, 2023, HR Partners will be prompted to identify if positions are federally grant or contract funded during the Create Position process, which may impact the timing of background check initiation.

In accordance with requirements under the Fair Chance Act and US Code Title 41, WSU is required offer employment for federally grant or contract funded positions prior to the initiation of a background check, with employment contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

When extending an offer of employment, please ensure an offer has been made to candidates of federally grant or contract funded positions prior to submitting the background check task. If a position is not federally grant or contract funded, a background check, if required, may be conducted prior to offering the position.

This change does not impact requirements under RCW 28B.112.080, Sexual Misconduct – Offers of Employment. The sexual misconduct statement and verification process should be completed prior to extending an offer of employment.

Templates and help text have been updated in Workday to assist with processes such as Hire, Add Job, and Change Job, and will be conditioned based upon a position’s status as federally grant or contract funded, or otherwise.

For questions, please contact your Human Resource Services Service Team.