Background Check and Boundary Workshop FAQs
View policy document adopted by the Board of Directors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the difference between the background check and a boundary workshop?
A: The background check is a search that address a seven-year period covering a criminal history database search, a county record criminal check, motor vehicle check, and an employment background check (looking at issues of inappropriate conduct).
Boundary workshops at Luther Seminary focus on issues faced by leaders in faith communities. Boundary workshops are scheduled several times during the academic year. Typically a boundary workshop is scheduled during First Week for new students.
Q: I'm only going part-time; does this background check policy apply to me?
A: This policy applies to "every student enrolled in a degree program at Luther Seminary."
Q: What is covered by the background check?
A: Luther Seminary requires a background check covering "a seven-year period covering a criminal history database search, a county record criminal check, motor vehicle check, and an employment background check (looking at issues of inappropriate conduct)."
Q: If this is a graduation requirement, can I wait until my last semester to complete the requirement?
A: You would be wise to complete this as soon as possible upon admission to Luther Seminary. Completing the background check is also a pre-requisite "for students placed in church or agency settings as part of their degree requirements ... Each student's file will be updated as part of the preparation for internship placement."
Q: Why are all students being checked? Is this really necessary?
A: We are honoring a high commitment to strengthening congregations as safe places and insuring that our own seminary environment is safe for all members—students, staff, faculty, and associated individuals. Many other seminaries are moving in this same direction. Medical schools have required similar checks of all students for some time.
Q: I have recently undergone a background check at another place of employment. May I substitute a copy of that report in place of doing this all over again?
A: The seminary's new policy includes several checks covering a seven-year period: criminal history database search, a county records criminal check, motor vehicle, and employment background check. If the background check at your place of employment covered comparable material, you may request that a copy be submitted. The review committee will make a final determination.
Q: Why are you checking my driving history?
A: The motor vehicle check is mainly designed to review a history of DUIs or driving without a license. Parking tickets and speeding tickets are not issues of concern (unless there are outstanding warrants for unpaid fine.)
Q: I have lived in six places in three states in the last seven years. Do I need to turn in all those past addresses?
A: Yes.
Q: I just did this with my ELCA candidacy committee. Why do I need to do this all over again?
A: You don't need to do this afresh. Simply ask your synod candidacy committee to forward a copy of the report to the Dean of Students at the seminary
Q: I heard that only ELCA M.Div. students had to do this. Is that true?
A: No. This is a Luther Seminary requirement. Students from all denominations and degree programsare required to complete this background check. Luther Seminary does accept background checks from other denominational judicatory bodies. Ask your denomination to forward a copy of the report to the Dean of Students at the seminary.
Q: Where do I send my materials?
A: Please direct all reports to:
Dean of Students
Luther Seminary
2481 Como Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55108
Q: Can I e-mail that letter?
A: No. Letters need to come in print form. E-mail and e-mail attachments can sometimes be blocked by security systems.
Q: How about sending by FAX?
A: No. The fax machine in the Dean of Students office is shared with many people and therefore not as private as mail or hand delivery in a sealed envelope.
Q: Now I'm getting concerned. Who will see these reports? Don't I deserve some privacy on these matters?
A: The reports will be seen only by the members of the review committee. The committee members include the dean of students, the director for contextual education, the associate dean for graduate theological studies, the associate dean for Missional pastors, and the associate dean for specialized ministries.
All materials will be stored in a secure, locked file in the Dean of Students' office. Upon graduation or withdrawal from studies, the files will be moved to another secure location and kept for six years. At that time the files will be shredded.
Q: Let's say I once was in legal trouble. Will that end my seminary studies?
A: The review committee will determine that on a case-by-case basis. If anything troublesome surfaces in the background report you will have an opportunity to explain in writing the circumstances surrounding the notation. You may also request a face-to-face meeting with the review committee. While information in the background check could lead to dismissal, it won't necessarily do so.
Q: How can I get started on this?
A: If you are in the ELCA candidacy process, please ask your synod to forward a copy of the report you completed this past year. (You may need to sign a waiver for this to happen.)
Q: My denomination or synod did not do a background check. Now what?
A: Luther Seminary has contracted with Oxford Document Management Company, Inc. to do the background checks. Students who still need a background check will find instructions in this PDF file.
Q: May I get a copy of my background to send to my denomination or synod or employer?
A: Students may request one copy of their background check. Contact Student Services for a copy of the release form or print a copy of the attached form to complete. The copy of the background report will only be sent to the institution provided; a copy will not be sent to the student. Your written request will be retained in the file along with the original of the report.
Q: Will the fee for this appear automatically on my bill?
A: Since you need to request the background check and sign a waiver for the information to be sent to the seminary, you will know that the fee is coming. It will then appear on your seminary bill.
Q: I am an international student. How will I do this?
A: We have adapted the policy to fit the circumstances of those who have lived outside the USA the past seven years. At this time international students don't need to do anything more.
Q: I am graduating in May 2010 and I didn't know about this requirement when I started at Luther Seminary. Why are you making me do this?
A: Participation in the background check process is mandatory for students who began classes after January 2006. For all others, you will be given an opportunity to acknowledge the existence of this new policy and indicate that you will not be complying with it. Letters to that effect may be sent to the Dean of Students (address above).
Q: Can I e-mail that letter?
A: No. Letters need to come in print form. E-mail and e-mail attachments can sometimes be blocked by security systems.
Q: How about sending by FAX?
A: No. The fax machine in the Dean of Students office is shared with many people and therefore not as private as mail or hand delivery in a sealed envelope.
Q: I'm eager to participate in the boundary workshop? How do I sign up?
A: Boundary workshops are scheduled several times during the academic year. Typically a boundary workshop is scheduled during First Week for new students. Additional workshops are scheduled during the year in conjunction with CLI and distributive learning events. Workshop information is posted on Inside Luther, announced during internship orientation and via e-mail reminders.
Q: I participated in a great boundary workshop event through my synod/congregation/denomination/institution. Does that count?
A: You may submit evidence of participation in such an event. Include as many details as possible - leader, number of hours, topics covered, perhaps a copy of the agenda. The submission will be reviewed and placed in your file.
Q: How do I submit a question to this page?
A: E-mail your questions to Judy Hedman at jhedman@luthersem.edu.
