External entities (i.e. law enforcement agencies, Boards of Bar Examiners, transfer colleges/universities, etc.) might request that students (current or former) complete a background check to verify the student’s disciplinary history. The OAA maintains student’s non-academic disciplinary records at AUM and therefore conduct background checks related to non-academic disciplinary inquiries only. All requests for background check must be accompanied by documentation with the student’s name and signature noting that they authorize the release of their records to the entity (i.e. individuals, organizations, agencies, etc.)  requesting the information. All requests will be processed in the order in which they were received. Therefore, requests can be expected to be completed within 3- 5 business days. Contact the OAA at [email protected] with any questions, concerns, or if any clarification is necessary.     

1. Dean Certifications
   1. Dean Certifications are a type of background check that are usually
      requested for use at another educational institution to certify student’s disciplinary records. Examples of reasons for Dean Certifications include: school transfer applications, graduate school applications, law school applications, and medical school applications that require applicant’s disciplinary history. Supporting Certification Forms must be completed by the AUM student and submitted to the Office of Accountability and Advocacy using any of the following options:
      1. Electronic – Complete the Disciplinary Information Request Form
      2. Via Mail – Mail it to the following address:
         Office of Accountability & Advocacy
         P.O. Box 244023
         Montgomery, AL 36124-4023
      3. Via Email – Send the completed form (PDF) via email to: [email protected]
   2. Student must include how that would like the form to be returned to the school/entity requesting the information (i.e. mailed or emailed).
2. Disciplinary Clearances/ History Checks
   1. Similar to Dean Certifications, external entities such as law enforcement agencies (i.e. FBI, OPM, etc.) and potential employers might require that student’s disciplinary history be disclosed during their respective verification processes. Special Investigators or other personnel responsible for conducting these type of background checks might request disciplinary information from the OAA by any of the following means:
      1. 1. In person – Stop by the Office of Accountability & Advocacy with your identification (ex: Badge ID, etc.) and all necessary documents. The OAA’s office is located at Auburn University at Montgomery’s:
            1. Office of Student Affairs
               Watson Robbins Taylor Center, Suite 163
               7400 East Drive
               Montgomery, AL 36117
         2. Electronic – If you are unable to stop by our office in person you may complete your request electronically by completing Disciplinary Information Request Form
            1. If you do not have documentation signed by the student that authorizes our release of their information to you, you might need have the student fill out Disciplinary Information Release Form prior to your completion of the Disciplinary Information Request form.
         3. Via Mail – Mail the request (inclusive of signed authorization to release) to the following address:
            Office of Accountability & Advocacy
            P.O. Box 244023
            Montgomery, AL 36124-4023
         4. Via Email – Email the request (inclusive of signed authorization to release) to [email protected]

Working in tandem with the Office of Admissions, the Office of Accountability & Advocacy is responsible for reviewing undergraduate and graduate applicants for admission to AUM who notes that they have a record of criminal conduct. It is the responsibility of applicants to provide necessary documentation and information to assist with the OAA’s duty to review their application with regard to any criminal history so that a decision can be rendered in the Admissions Clearance process.  

1. 1. 1. 1. Applicants are not required to disclose cases/ records for which the court has sealed or expunged.
            1. Applicants are required to disclose all felony and/or misdemeanor convictions including cases in which the applicant pled nolo contendere or for which adjudication was withheld
            2. Applicants are required to disclose all pending criminal charges

1. Based on their review, the OAA will make one of three potential recommendations to the Office of Admissions:
   1. Cleared
   2. Cleared with Conditions/Restrictions, or
   3. Denied

Upon receipt of the OAA’s recommendation, the Office of Admissions will make and communicate to the applicant, the final decision on behalf of the University, regarding the application for admission.

• Applicants must adhere to the following required documentation guidelines and process for submission:
  1. 1. Required Documentation
        1. 1. Personal Narrative
              1. A detailed personal narrative describing the resolution or current status of the incident(s), including whether you have completed all court ordered terms or if you have any ongoing obligations related to the offense(s)
           2. Court Related Documents- Past and/or pending cases
              1. A copy of official court record(s) (ex. Police/arrest report, documented charge(s),etc.) that includes the date of the incident(s), final disposition (i.e. Plead/ found guilty, pending, etc.), and any court ordered terms such as incarceration, probation, restitution, community service, pre-trial diversion, etc. If you do not have these documents on hand you may obtain them from the Clerk of Court Records for the county/region that adjudicated the case(s).
        2. Submission Process
           1. Via the Admissions Clearance Applicant Documentation Submission Form OR;
           2. Via mail: Office of Accountability & Advocacy
              P.O. Box 244023
              Montgomery, AL 36124-4023

*A criminal record is not necessarily a bar to admission. Each applicant is considered on an individual basis.