All candidates enrolled in EIU initial educator preparation programs—including teaching, school counseling, speech-language pathology, and school psychology—must complete two criminal history background checks during their programs.
The two checks are required at different stages of your preparation:
First background check: Before beginning any clinical experience in a school or community setting.
Second background check: Before beginning student teaching or the first formal internship.
The first background check must be completed before you participate in any clinical experience. You need to complete this EIU requirement only once during your enrollment, even if you participate in multiple clinical experiences.
Before requesting a background check, review your EIU Degree Audit:
If this requirement has a green check mark, you have already completed your first background check and do not need to repeat it.
If the requirement is missing or does not have a green check mark, you must complete the screening process.
EIU uses Bushue Background Screening as its approved provider for the first criminal history background check.
Cost: $34
Process: Online application and payment
Information needed: Social Security number, other identifying information, and a credit or debit card
Begin Your EIU Background Check
For assistance, consult the Background Screening Step-by-Step Instructions.
Important: EIU does not accept background checks previously completed for other colleges or universities, school districts, regional offices of education, employers, or other organizations as substitutes for this requirement.
Bushue Background Screening sends your results directly to the EIU Office of Educator Preparation, Licensure, and Assessment. You do not need to submit a copy.
If the screening identifies no concerns, EIU will record completion of the requirement in your student record.
If the screening identifies information requiring further review, the Office of Educator Preparation, Licensure, and Assessment will contact you to discuss the results and any implications for your participation in educator preparation.
A second criminal history background check is required before you begin student teaching or your first formal internship.
Unlike the first check, this screening must be completed through the school district or clinical site where you will be placed, following that organization's procedures.
You are responsible for obtaining verification that the required screening has been completed and submitting it to the appropriate EIU office:
Contact your placement district or clinical site for instructions on completing this screening.
To request a copy of your completed EIU background check, visit the Office of Educator Preparation, Licensure, and Assessment in person and present a current photo ID.
Location: 1420 Buzzard Hall
Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–noon and 1:00–4:30 p.m.
For security reasons, EIU does not mail or email background check reports to candidates or third parties.
For questions about EIU background check requirements or verification, contact:
Office of Educator Preparation, Licensure, and Assessment
Dr. Stephen Lucas, Executive Director - selucas@eiu.edu
1420 Buzzard Hall
Phone: (217) 581-2524
For technical assistance with the Bushue application or payment process, contact:
Bushue Background Screening
Phone: (217) 342-3042
Email: info@bushuebackgroundscreening.com