Information regarding this process is sent out with the admission letters. Please read it carefully and follow the instructions provided. We provide special times for newly admitted students to be fingerprinted during the same semester of application and usually within a month of receiving your admissions letter. This allows for background checks to clear in plenty of time to begin coursework the following semester. Please be aware you cannot participate in required field experiences until your background check has cleared. This could delay you a semester or more in the program, as you will have to repeat the semester to complete field experiences.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD AND ELEMENTARY MAJORS REGARDING CHFAM 2610 AND 2620.To complete the background check process at time of program admission:
- You will need to go online to the USOE site and complete the Background Check application, which includes payment of $74 via major credit card, and print out the authorization letter. Instructions for this process are sent with your admissions letter.
- Go to the Cashier's Office and pay $20 for the WSU Livescan fee. Be sure you get two copies of your receipt: one for your records and one for us.
- You will then bring a) the USOE letter of authorization, b) the applicant information form sent with your admission packet, and c) your payment receipt to the receptionist in ED 230 to sign up for a time to be fingerprinted. Available times are listed below.
- Show up at the fingerprinting office in ED 022 at your appointed time with your valid drivers license or passport. The fingerprinting will take about 5 minutes to complete.
- If you are unable to come during any of the available times, you will have to go to the fingerprinting office during their regular hours. In either case, the background check must be completed before the start of the semester you intend to begin the professional core.
To complete the background check process outside admission cycle:
- You will need to go online to the USOE site and complete the Background Check application, which includes payment of $74 via major credit card, and print out the authorization letter. Instructions for this process are sent with your admissions letter.
- Go to the Cashier's Office and pay $20 for the WSU Livescan fee. Be sure you get two copies of your receipt: one for your records and one for us.
- You will then bring a) the USOE letter of authorization, b) the applicant information form c) your payment receipt, and d) your valid drivers license or passport to the Fingerprinting office
- Show up at the fingerprinting office in ED 022 at your appointed time with your valid drivers license or passport. The fingerprinting will take about 5 minutes to complete.
- The background check must be completed before the start of the semester you intend to begin the professional core.
You will be able to pick up your clearance card and lanyard in the Advisement Center about 2 weeks from the date you are fingerprinted. In order to pick up your card, you will need to provide proof of clearance by USOE. Download the instructions here. The lanyard must be worn at all times when you are in a school and must hold your clearance card and WSU ID.
Fingerprint Times for Fall 2012 Admissions:
TBA
Please be aware that if you do not complete your professional education program, including student teaching and licensure application, within three years of completing the background check, you will have to repeat the process. The background check must be current in order for the department to recommend you to the state for a license.