Planning to apply to graduate school or a job?
...then you might have to disclose your judicial record.
Every form is different in its specifics. See two examples of Dean's Certification Forms
In applications for graduate school, professional school, or career opportunities requiring a background check (e.g. for the U.S. Government or any industry requiring security clearance), it is common to require:
- A disciplinary clearance form and/or
- A dean certification form
These forms will need to be completed by a University official. They request information about all of a student's University records, including disciplinary actions and criminal activity.
The best advice we can give you is to take the completion of these forms SERIOUSLY, and to complete them accurately and honestly.
Why are they interested in your conduct record?
A Real Case from Wash. U.
A student with multiple minor infractions failed to disclose any of the minor charges on her medical school application. After her record was checked, she was forced to delay her application until she could demonstrate that she had sufficiently matured and would be an appropriate candidate for the medical profession. Substance abuse issues in particular are taken very seriously by medical schools.
- They don't know much about you.
- Are you ready? The inquiry into your conduct record is an examination of whether or not you are fit and able to join a selective group of professionals.
- Are you mature? Your conduct record and the way you approach it can be interpreted as indicators of your character, maturity, and ethical consciousness.
- Covering up can be worse than owning up. A past violation on your record won't necessarily restrict your opportunities; however, trying to cover up a violation can say a lot about your current judgment. "Failure to be honest" is tantamount to lying on an application.
See the Judicial FAQ for more information.
What should I do?
Please feel free to consult your four-year or major advisor. That is often the best place to start.
If you're in doubt about whether or not you have an incident which requires disclosure, it is your responsibility to check with your Dean's office, the Office of Judicial Programs, and any other applicable university personnel.