Penn State announces background check policies

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) -August 9, 2012 (WPVI) -- New hires and volunteers who work with children at Penn State University will have to undergo background checks under enhanced safety policies set up in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky abuse scandal.

The policy overhaul combines previous rules and applies to all new hires, no matter if the position includes working with children. The rules also apply to contractors, graduate assistants and adjunct faculty.

Associate Vice President for Human Resources Susan Basso says consistent background check policies are imperative to ensuring the safety of students, staff and visitors.

The Centre Daily Times reports Penn State's announcement says the university also has the power to conduct background checks on current employees when it has "reasonable grounds" to do so.

Sandusky is awaiting sentencing on 45 criminal counts.

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