Regis College makes admission decisions based on the content of the admission application and related documentation. Regis College does not conduct criminal background checks as part of the admission process. Rather, in the academic context, Regis College conducts criminal background checks on admitted and enrolled students for the limited purpose of determining whether a student can participate in a clinical or practical training component of an academic program.

As a result, at the admission stage, Regis College cannot determine whether or not a prospective student’s criminal history will enable or prevent them from participating in a clinical or practical training component of an academic program.

Once a student is enrolled, Regis College will review the results of their criminal background check to determine whether or not they can participate in a clinical or practical training component of an academic program based on the following factors:

  • The nature of the offense;
  • Whether the offense resulted in a conviction or plea of no contest;
  • The type of sentence, if any;
  • Whether the offense is a felony or misdemeanor;
  • The nature of the Placement;
  • The number of offenses;
  • The time elapsed since an offense;
  • The student’s age at the time of an offense;
  • Any evidence of successful probation;
  • The student’s written response/review of the criminal background check results

Regardless of Regis College’s determination, a placement site has ultimate discretion in deciding if a student may participate in a clinical or practical training component on its premises. In other words, even where Regis College determines that a student can participate, a placement site may override that decision. Further, certain Placement sites may conduct their own criminal background check, independent of Regis College, or may ask a student to disclose the results of the criminal background check conducted by Regis College.

Similarly, at no time can Regis College determine whether an individual’s criminal history will prevent them from obtaining professional licensure. Licensing authorities conduct their own criminal background checks according to their own standards – with no involvement of Regis College. As a result, it is possible that a prospective student may be admitted into an academic program and complete their clinical or practical training component, but ultimately be denied professional licensure by a licensing authority. Prospective students should consult the relevant licensing authority for further information.