HR-14: BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION FOR EMPLOYEES REQUIRED TO HAVE UNESCORTED ACCESS TO RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS 

Background investigations, including an FBI fingerprinting and criminal history records check, must be conducted on all employees who are required to have unescorted access at work to radioactive materials in quantities of concern as identified by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Based on federal and state security mandates, effective no later than October 28, 2008, all current employees who are required to have unescorted access to radioactive materials in quantities of concern as identified by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and applicants who, if hired, will be required to have unescorted access to the same radioactive materials in quantities of concern, must undergo a comprehensive Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprint-based background check.

Any new employees who will be required to have unescorted access must clear the FBI background check as well as an educational credentials check, a job history check, and a personal reference check, prior to employment in classifications that require unescorted access.

Responsibilities

The Division of Research Safety will be the liaison between the campus and the applicable state and federal agencies regarding maintaining compliance.

The campus Human Resources offices will be responsible for implementing campus procedures to ensure compliance. Units seeking to employ persons in classifications that require unescorted access should consult with the appropriate Human Resources office at the time they begin the hiring process.

The Units that employ persons in classifications that require unescorted access will be responsible for identifying these employees and ensuring compliance at the unit level.

The Division of Public Safety will conduct the fingerprinting and assist in other applicable background checks.

The Office of the Provost will designate the campus “Trustworthy and Reliable” official (as that term is defined in federal and state mandates) who will oversee this policy and related procedures, and who will ultimately decide to grant or deny unescorted access to controlled radiological materials.The “Trustworthy and Reliable” official may consult with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research in deciding to grant or deny unescorted access to controlled radiological materials. This official also may involve the Background Investigation Review Committee at his/her discretion.