Background Check

ALL STUDENTS PLEASE NOTE:

Before beginning the USBE BACKGROUND CHECK PROCESS: ALL STUDENTS SHOULD NOTE THAT YOU MUST BE 18 YEARS OLD TO BEGIN THE PROCESS. IF YOU ARE NOT 18, PLEASE WAIT TO BEGIN THIS PROCESS UNTIL THAT DATE. if you will be 18 after the start of the semester, please plan your field work classes in a future semester.

 

Students must complete both steps listed below to complete the USBE Background Check. Only completing the online portion will not complete the USBE Background Check. Please use the step-by-step guide through both parts of the USBE Background check process to help complete the process.

INFORMATION ALL STUDENTS SHOULD KNOW BEFORE STARTING

All students must have a cleared background check to receive a permission code. There is still plenty of room available in these classes. No student is permitted in the class without a verified USBE background check and a permission code.

In order to participate in any field-based course in the teaching licensure programs, students must pass a State and Federal background check through the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). Students must complete the background check prior to the first-course meeting. Failure to do so may jeopardize your ability to complete course requirements and receive a grade in field-based courses.

STEP ONE: INITIATE THE BACKGROUND CHECK PROCESS (COMPLETE THE ONLINE PORTION):

1. Go to https://usims.schools.utah.gov/.

2. Click on "Sign Up Now". Enter in your email address. Click the blue Send verification code button. Note, that this email address should be one that you check frequently. Do not use a throwaway email address for USIMS. Then go to your email and get the verification code from the email that was sent to you. Enter it into the box.

3. Create a password and confirm it.

4. Type in your first and last names.

5. Then click on the blue Create button.

Home-Checklist: Please note that you do not need to complete the Educator Ethics Review at this time. You will complete this further in your program coursework with your program.

STEP TWO: COMPLETE THE PHYSICAL FINGERPRINTING

All students will need to complete Step Two of the background check process. Please use the information below to complete this process. Students should note that only completing the online portion does not complete the process and you will not have a cleared USBE Background Check.

All students should note that In-state Utah (LiveScan) fingerprinting typically takes 2-6 weeks to receive your clearance after completing the physical fingerprinting. Out-Of-State physical fingerprinting (using fingerprint cards) can take up to 16 weeks to receive clearance.

Students that are out of state and will not be in Utah before the beginning of the semester should not plan to register for a field practicum course for the following semester. (i.e. intend to register for EDU 1010 fall 2023 but will not be in Utah until August should plan to take the course in spring 2024 and complete the in-state option in September or October once they are in Utah).

Students will receive an email from the USBE when their background check clears. It is strongly recommended that students keep this email and do not delete it!

NEED A SCREENSHOT FOR A PERMISSION CODE OR YOUR UITE ADMISSIONS APPLICATION?

This information is for those who have already completed their USBE Background Check. If you need to begin the process, please go to Step One above.

Students should note that all screenshots will need to be turned into a PDF document. If you have already received a clearance email from the USBE informing you that you have a cleared background check you do not need to do a new background check. The information below will link your CACTUS account with the new USIMS System.

Please read these directions carefully to ensure that you take the correct screen shot. Students who do not take the correct screenshot may be required to submit a new one.

Permission Code Request Forms


Please go to Permission Code Request Forms request a permission code for any EDU course. Links are also available to permission forms for:

FA 4000 (spring only)

Math

Special Education

Education Culture and Society

 

If you are interested in background checks and permission codes, please contact:

Kristen Lindsay
SAEC 2262
801-587-1746

EMAIL CONTACT