BCI/FBI Requirements
Background Checks for Student Teaching and Field Experience
All students enrolled in student teaching or a field experience course are required to have current fingerprint background checks, (BCI) Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification and (FBI) Federal Bureau of Investigation. The paperwork should be sent to the student’s address and the student keeps the original copy. Once the student has a student teaching or field placement, they need to submit a copy of the results to authorized personnel at their assigned "school or agency" on or before the first day of the semester in which your student teaching or field observation will take place. Both background checks expire after one year. (Valid 12 months/365 days from the date of issue).
Please note: A current background check will need to be sent to the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) when you apply for initial licensure. Deaf Ed students may need background checks in the state where they are student teaching.
Fingerprinting Background Services at the IRC
You can have these background checks completed by filling out the IR 7 fingerprinting form in person, at the Instructional Resource Center (IRC) in Room 221 White Hall, during operating hours. Find IRC hours of operation, fee information, and items to bring.
*BOTH OF THESE BACKGROUND CHECKS MUST BE MAILED TO YOU.
We kindly ask that you DO NOT send the results of your background checks to Kent State University Vacca Office. Neither the Vacca Office of Student Services nor your faculty views these results.
This is your only official copy of your results. The IRC does not have access to your results.
If you have any questions regarding your fingerprints or if you would like to obtain additional official copies for a fee from BCII call 877-224-0043, or 740-845-2000.