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Returning Students

A returning student is a student who was admitted and enrolled in a program at St. Scholastica but has been absent from the program for at least three continuous semesters, including summer. To return to the same program at St. Scholastica, a returning student must be in good academic standing and must apply for readmission to the College.

Background Check

The College implemented a Background Study Policy fall semester 2008 for all students enrolled in education programs.

About the Process

First time: For GTL students, the initial background check cost is $50, and must be paid via credit card.

For Duluth Undergraduate students, the background check will be processed during EDU 1540 and paid via a $50 course fee. For Degree Completion students, the background check will be processed during your orientation and paid via a $50 course fee in EDU 2600.

Enter code for the program you will be attending

• Undergraduate – Duluth:Ìýµþµþ±Ê°ä³Ò-27247
• GTL – Online: WXHVM-94863
• Elementary Education Completion Program (2+2) – Inver Grove Heights and Grand Rapids: RTJBJ-74242

If you have any questions, the Client Services Team at Verified Credentials is ready to assist you. Please call them at 800-938-6090 or email at .

• (These are through the State of Minnesota and are free.)

Criminal Background Study

Our goal in this criminal background study is to protect vulnerable populations. Students in a K-12 system are considered by º¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù. Scholastica’s Stender School of Leadership, Business and Professional Studies a vulnerable population. Any costs incurred to complete the background study are the student’s responsibility and must be paid in-full at the time the student is made aware of them.

The SOE requires a criminal background study prior to students entering field experiences or courses that require field experiences. MN law also requires that applicants for licensure complete a similar criminal background study. This study will be made at the initiation of field course work utilizing:

• Conduct Review Statement (provided by the SOE)
• Verified Credentials (a private firm that does nation-wide background checks) and each following year utilizing:
  • Conduct Review Statement (provided by the SOE)
  • Criminal history review through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, or appropriate local, county, state, providence, or country agency where student resided

The SOE will make the sole and final risk determination of a student. The Red Flag Review (see Red Flag Review procedure below) will be implemented if any discrepancies occur during the Criminal Background Study. An individual who is deemed a security or safety risk to vulnerable populations will be disqualified from having direct student contact as a result of the background study and will not be permitted to participate in field experiences, or courses that require field experiences. Students who receive notice that they are disqualified must arrange for an immediate appointment with the appropriate SOE Chair, or Chair’s designee. Student deemed a risk will not be allowed to complete the Education program. Materials gathered for the background study will be held by the Educational Experience Coordinator in the Stender School of Leadership, Business and Professional Studies offices.

Red Flag Review

The Red Flag Review is a process used when a discrepancy appears on the background check, or Conduct Review Statement, of a Stender School of Leadership, Business and Professional Studies student that may be cause for concern for the safety or security of vulnerable individuals.

Identified discrepancies which may result in a Red Flag Review being initiated:

• Any Felony
• Any Abuse Incident
• Drug/Alcohol Incident
• Harm to children
• Crimes of violence
• Plea bargains
• Patterns of behavior
• Other

When a discrepancy appears on a background check, or Conduct Review Statement, the following procedures will be followed:

1. Contact student involved and schedule a meeting regarding the discrepancy with the “Background Account Administrator” and appropriate “SOE Chair” or designee.
2. Review the circumstances of the discrepancy.
3. The Background Account Administrator and SOE chair will determine if notification of the discrepancy to the field experience site personnel is needed. If needed:
4. Obtain a “Release of Information” from the student.
5. Notify field experience site personnel of discrepancy.
6. As needed, meet with field experience site personnel to review discrepancy and background check report. The final determination on placement is determined by the “Superintendent” or designee of the field experience site. Upon acceptance of the student, documentation on the discrepancy will be provided to the field experience site personnel.
7. Inform student in writing of placement meeting outcome.

View more information about the .

We hope you will appreciate our efforts in keeping kids safe. Questions regarding this policy can be addressed to:

Brenda Fischer, Chair, Tower Hall 3103, 218-723-5971, bfischer1@css.edu, or
Karen Mehle, Tower Hall 3409, 218-723-6180, kmehle@css.edu