Welcome to ASU from President Crow

Background and fingerprinting

Arizona State University conducts a pre-employment reference check and a background investigation for final candidates applying for university positions. This process ensures a safe and secure work and learning environment. 

Fingerprinting

ASU-designated security-sensitive positions require a fingerprint investigation. Current employees accepting a new security or safety-sensitive position at ASU are required under AZ statute ARS 15-1649 to successfully complete a new fingerprint appointment or provide OHR an AZ DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card.

ASU fingerprint process

  1. After verbally accepting their offer, the candidate will receive an email from the BrassRing Applicant System. The email will contain detailed instructions and account information to complete the following steps. 
  2. The candidate will log in to the Arizona Department of Public Safety portal and complete the application requesting a reference number from ASU.
  3. ASU will approve payment, and DPS will email the candidate a reference number within 24 hours of completing step two.
  4. The candidate will log in to the Fieldprint portal and complete the application using the reference number and account information on the original BrassRing email. The candidate can then schedule their fingerprint session.
  5. The candidate completes a fingerprint session at the scheduled location and time.
  6. ASU will receive fingerprint results.

Electronic fingerprinting takes a few minutes to administer through both portals, and results can be expected within three to seven business days from the completed appointment date.

You may contact the Arizona Department of Public Safety customer service team at 602-223-2223 if you have any questions or problems with the DPS portal.

You may contact the Fieldprint customer service team at 877-614-4364 or by email should you have any questions or problems with the Fieldprint portal.
 

Manual fingerprint process

Manual fingerprint candidates processed through the PeopleSoft Applicant Tracking System will receive the generated Fingerprint Instruction email

Hiring managers should submit a Fingerprint request for the following:

  • Hires outside of BrassRing.
  • Minor on-campus applicants.
  • P-Card applicants.
  • Volunteers.

Employees that fall within the scope of the EHS 706: Minors on Campus policy require a fingerprint check to be completed every three years. See our background check and fingerprinting guide for more information about this process.

Hiring manager instructions

ASU candidates accepting the conditional offer from the department hiring manager receive an email with instructions to start the fingerprint process. The hiring manager must follow up with the candidate to ensure they schedule and complete their fingerprint appointment. 

ASU accounts receivable will bill $60 to the department account associated with the job requisition. If there is an issue with the fingerprint check results, OHR will contact the candidate and department to reconcile the situation. 

For out-of-state fingerprint processes, ASU accounts receivable will bill $80 to the department account associated upon request

Background checks 

Arizona State University conducts a pre-employment reference check and a background investigation for final candidates applying for university positions. This process ensures a safe and secure work and learning environment. 

Department HR Specialists must request a complete background investigation report on all final candidates offered jobs. This policy applies to all full-time and part-time faculty, administrative, academic, university staff, waivers and emergency hires. For details, refer to our reference check and background verification policy ACD 126 and the talent acquisition policy SPP 201-0s.  

Requests for staff and student hires are submitted via Infinite BrassRing through My ASU. See our background check and fingerprinting guide for more information about this process. 

Manual background process

Department HR Specialists should submit a background check request for all other hires by submitting an electronic Background Request for:

  • Faculty.
  • Hires outside of BrassRing.
  • Volunteers.

HireRight Inc. conducts background check requests for the university. The average turnaround time is 72 hours. Services offered include criminal history, employment, professional licensure and academic credential verifications. The vendor also conducts motor vehicle checks if required.

Resources

View the current rates for criminal background checks, frequently asked questions and information about Fair Credit Reporting Act rights.

Email OHR Talent Acquisition with questions.

HR Talent Acquisition fax number: 480-993-0006.

AZ DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card

ASU accepts the State of Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Cards from the Arizona Department of Public Safety Services for security-sensitive positions.  

Registration process: 

  1. New hires must register online on the Arizona Department of Public Safety Services website.
  2. Select Apply for a Fingerprint Clearance Card.
  3. Select Apply for a Card/Request a Replacement, and answer a few questions.
  4. Select Identity Verified Prints and answer a few questions.
  5. Then, complete the Privacy Act Statement.
  6. Complete Reason(s) for Applying for volunteers or students under ‘why’ you need fingerprinting. Then Select Board of Education (Teacher Certification). You may select more if they apply to your situation.
  7. Enter applicant Information for all fields with red asterisks. If you do not have a social security number, please check the box “I choose not to provide or I don’t have one.”
  8. You may leave the employer section or “who is requiring you to be fingerprinted” blank unless you are employed by a school that needs to receive the results. 
  9. Complete the fingerprint method and signature.
  10. Review the information and submit when you have finished reviewing the summary and are ready to register, then continue to My Order.
  11. The cost of this application process is $67.00. Individuals select Submit and Pay by Credit Card. Note: This is the individual’s own expense.
  12. You will get a confirmation receipt after completing payment and registration.
  13. AZDPS will provide their nearest eligible AZDPS fingerprinting location to get fingerprinted.

Results can take up to six weeks for those with no criminal records. Expect additional time if there is a criminal record or history. Check the status of your fingerprint clearance card on the Arizona Department of Public Safety Fingerprint Services website.

The fingerprint clearance card is valid for six years.

When you receive your clearance card, you must submit the following ASU Office of Human Resources for verification; no appointment is necessary:

Invalid card

If your fingerprint clearance card becomes invalid, you must follow the process indicated on the Arizona Department of Public Safety Fingerprint Services website to appeal or reinstate your card. You must notify your supervisor or department HR BOM specialist if your fingerprint clearance card becomes invalid. You will be ineligible to work in an ASU security-sensitive position without a valid fingerprint card. You will be responsible for working with AZ DPS to regain your fingerprint clearance card’s “valid” status.


Positions designated as security or safety-sensitive require additional background and fingerprint checks. Security-sensitive positions include, but are not limited to, the following statements: 
  • Employees of the ASU police department. Pre-employment screening of these individuals shall be conducted per ASU PD hiring protocols.
  • Finalists who indicate a prior felony conviction on their consent and disclosure background check form.
  • Information technology positions overseeing and managing ASU computer systems and data accessibility may expose ASU to significant liability.
  • Positions that handle financial transactions as a job responsibility.
  • Positions that have direct contact with minors who have not enrolled students at Arizona State University and where the safety and welfare of the minors are entrusted to the university’s care.
  • Positions with direct access to CDC — APHIS biological select agents and toxins, as defined by the USA Patriot Act of 2001 and the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness Response Act of 2002.
  • Senior-level administrators and others with significant oversight.

For recruiting a Tier 1 Biological Select Agents and Toxins position, please use the Tier 1 BSAT process guide.

It is not always necessary to complete both a background and fingerprint check. Background checks investigate the candidate’s motor vehicle, education, employment and criminal history. Fingerprint checks only investigate the candidate’s criminal history.

Email OHR Talent Acquisition with questions.

HR Talent Acquisition fax number: 480-993-0006.