New Background Policy Delayed For U Of I Urbana Campus

The University of Illinois will wait an additional four weeks before it implements its new background check policy on the Urbana campus. The university says President Timothy Killeen has decided to hold off the launch of the new policy until November 1st.

The delay comes after the Urbana campus’ Academic Senate requested the action. A Senate resolution passed last week notes that not all job search announcements have informed applicants about the new policy --- and that the policy does not adhere to standards set by the American Association of University Professors.

The new policy approved by trustees earlier this month will expand criminal background checks to cover all new U of I employees.

University officials say the delay will give them time to review the new procedures, and make sure that they’re fair to job applicants, while protecting students and employees.