Clearances for ABCS

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If you have already completed the clearance process with Penn in the past 5 years, before doing any of these steps, email myetunde@upenn.edu and backgroundchecks@hr.upenn.edu to check that your clearances are on file and valid. In addition to students who have already gotten clearances for another program, all Nursing, Dental, and Medical school students should already have completed clearances. Review Frequently Asked Questions about clearances HERE.

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FOR DOMESTIC (NON-INTERNATIONAL) STUDENTS

Per Pennsylvania law and Penn policy, all Penn students interacting with minors more than once in a semester, virtually or in-person, must complete three clearance checks: PATCH - PA Criminal History Search, PA Child Abuse, and Idemia fingerprinting for your FBI clearance. Additionally, all students working with School District of Philadelphia schools must complete mandated reporter training. All documents must be on file with the University to be fully cleared. To complete your clearances:

STEP 1*: Visit 3401 Walnut Street, Room 329-A (the Max Kade Center) during one of the following time slots. Expect to stay for ~30 minutes. You do not need to sign up for a time in advance. Bring your laptop and Penncard. You will sign in with the guard when you arrive. 

Monday, September 18th, 9:30AM – 2:30PM

Tuesday, September 19th, 9:30AM – 3:30PM 

Wednesday, September 20th, NO TIMES

Thursday,  September 21st, 9:30AM – 3:30PM 

Friday, September 22nd, 9:30AM – 3:30PM 

During this visit, you will receive your PATCH - PA Criminal History Search and your PA Child Abuse background checks. You will also be signed up to get your Idemia fingerprinting appointment for your FBI clearance. 

STEP 2: After completing STEP 1, you will visit the Idemia fingerprinting center at 4022 Market Street to receive your FBI clearance. Your FBI clearance will be sent by email 24 hours after your fingerprinting appointment. Send a PDF copy to: Cri.8ii5pzlyhxhdzqwq@u.box.com.

 STEP 3: If you are working with a School District of Philadelphia school, complete the 3-hour mandated reporter training by following these instructions.

*If your ABCS class is hosting an ABCS Clearance Workshop, you will do STEP 1 during class time instead of visiting the Max Kade Center. 

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FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ON A (F-1/J-1) VISA WHO HAVE NOT WORKED IN THE UNITED STATES

Per the Department of Human Services, international students who have not worked in the United States before do not need the same three clearances as domestic students. Instead, you will sign an affidavit. Additionally, all students working with School District of Philadelphia schools must complete mandated reporter training. All documents must be on file with the University to be fully cleared. To complete your clearances:

STEP 1: Email myetunde@upenn.edu, cc abcscoordinator@sas.upenn.edu, with subject line: “International Student Volunteer Clearance” to receive an affidavit to sign

STEP 2: If you are working with a School District of Philadelphia school, complete the 3-hour mandated reporter training by following these instructions.

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FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ON A (F-1/J-1) VISA WHO HAVE WORKED IN THE UNITED STATES (INCLUDING ON-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT)

Follow the same process as domestic students.

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FOR ABCS FACULTY: You have the option of requesting a 45-minute ABCS Clearance Workshop during your class time. During this session, staff from HR will conduct clearance office hours (STEP 1) for all students at once.Workshops will be offered during classes the week of September 4th and September 11th for classes rostered during work hours.  If you would like a workshop, email backgroundchecks@hr.upenn.edu and abcscoordinator@sas.upenn.edu.