Below are the most frequently asked questions concerning the MU Clearances policy. The policy and blank form letter are provided further below. For more details see MU's Clearance Instructions. To confirm receipt of your letter login to WebAdvisor (click Test Summary) or contact Jill Scott (570-662-4790).
Who submits clearances?
Everyone in a teacher education program (including SL&IT), regardless of the state in which they teach or work.
-
But I'm already a teacher, do I really need to submit a letter?
Yes!!! All SL&IT students must comply with the policy (no exceptions).
Do I need to obtain evidence of clearances if I am a certified teacher, but not currently teaching?
Certification and clearances are two separate issues. If you are not teaching and do not have evidence that you have the necessary clearances to work in a school district, you must apply for the clearances before participating in any field experiences.
-
So, what happens if I don't submit my clearances evidence?
Students may not participate in any field experience assignments for the SL&IT program if clearances evidence is not on file in the Registrar’s office. Further, without written documentation of clearance your instructor can not accept your assignment and must give you a grade of 0 points. No exceptions!!!
What if I teach overseas?
See the policy below for international students.
Well, I began my teaching career before clearances were mandatory and was grandfathered in. Am I exempt?
Ok, one exception. If you have been "grandfathered in" just have your building principal sign the letter of evidence and state that you have been teaching since before clearances were required by your district.
-
Which courses require field experiences?
The courses below require one or more on-site activities, some of which may be performed by phone. For specifics see our detailed Listing:
- LSC 5501 (Instructional Collaboration)
- LSC 5510 (Electronic Delivery Systems)
- LSC 5515 (Collection Management)
- LSC 5520 (Cataloging)
- LSC 5525 (Strategic Library Management)
- LSC 5545 (Access and Legal Issues)
- LSC 5562 (Practicum)
-
How do I obtain a Criminal History background check?
Information about criminal background checks is available at PDE's Act 34 and 151 Background Checks page. Once there scroll down to the section marked, FEDERAL (FBI) CRIMINAL HISTORY REPORT
-
Where do I get finger printed?
For PA residents visit the home page of Cogent Systems, the agency tasked with Fingerprint Services for Pennsylvania. Eventually, each IU will establish its own fingerprint center. Residents of other states should consult their schools for the location of similar services or check with your local police department or highway patrol. You might also try an Internet search using the keywords "Fingerprint Criminal Background Checks" plus the name of your state. Alternatively, find a listing for your state's Dept of Criminal Justice Services (most states have such an office).
Who says students need to do this?
Mansfield University and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Clearances Policy for all SL&IT Students
To comply with a recent interpretation of policy from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), MU has adopted a new mandatory policy regarding student experiences in public schools (i.e. field experiences). This policy affects any student who visits a school or school library as an assignment for any course (not just practicum).
Prior to participating in any field experiences for an SL&IT course, students who are already certified teachers will need to send evidence that they have met the clearances required for the state in which they reside or in which they perform a field experience. Students can submit evidence in two ways:
- Students can submit a letter signed by a building principal stating that they have met the clearances requirements of their state, or
- Students can submit copies of their clearances.
Students who are not certified teachers must meet all requirements for PA clearances: Act 34, Act 151, TB test, and finger printing (see PDE's Background Checks page). Students should send the attached letter or copies of the clearance via US mail to the SL&IT office, in care of:
Ms. Jill Scott, 202 Retan, Mansfield University, Mansfield, PA 16933
If a student is teaching in an international school, and that school requires any clearances, the clearances policy pertains. However, if there are no clearances requirements in the school outside the US, email Jill Scott (jlscott@mansfield.edu) with the following statement:
I, ______________, do not reside in the United States and the school where I will be doing my field experiences, ____ (Name of school and country) does not require clearances.
Students who have not submitted evidence that they have met state clearances requirements will not be permitted to participate in any field experience assignments.
