Employment Reference Checks

Pre-employment Reference Checks

To ensure that individuals who join Spelman are well qualified and have a strong potential to be productive and successful, it is the policy of Spelman to check references. Reference check information may include employment, credit history, criminal background review, and motor vehicle records.

External Reference Checks

It is the policy of Spelman College to respond in an accurate and responsible manner in regard to all reference checks usually within three business days.

All requests must be in writing and on the organization's letterhead and forwarded to the Office of Human Resources. The College does not respond to oral requests for references.

The Office of Human Resources should be notified promptly of any formal or informal requests for information about current or former employees. We normally verify, upon written request, only dates of employment, position or position(s) held and rate of pay. A written disclosure authorization and release is required before any additional information is furnished.

The College is extremely concerned about the accuracy of information provided to individuals outside the College. As an employee, do not under any circumstances respond to any requests for information regarding another employee unless it is part of your assigned job responsibilities. If it is not, and you receive a request for a reference, forward the request to the Office of Human Resources for a response.

Policy No.  203  Effective Date:  9/1/2000  Revision Date:  6/1/2011