Persons with Prior Felonies in Experiential Courses

SUNY Policy Language & MCC Process

On November 15, 2024, SUNY provided updated guidance on the Policy on the Admission of Persons with Prior Felony Convictions (2018). The guidance updated two important aspects of the 2018 policy:

1. "Where a student is applying to participate in a clinical or field experience, or internship placement, that requires a criminal history check as a condition of participation, campuses may only inquire if the student has a prior felony conviction at the point in time permitted by law, typically after an initial placement interview or after a conditional offer of placement" (Office of General Council, November 15, 2024).
2. "To facilitate its review, the campus committee shall ask the student to provide:
   
   1. For students on parole or probation status, references from the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Division of Parole or the Office of Probation and Correctional Alternatives; and
   2. A personal interview with the campus committee if deemed necessary to clarify/verify this information" (Office of General Council, November 15, 2024).

Students will be asked to self-disclose prior felony convictions (unless they are sealed) at the time they are placed in an experiential activity. Following disclosure, students must meet with the Campus Safety Review Committee. The Committee will determine, based on the information provided, whether a student may continue in experiential activities.

If you are accepted into a program with experiential courses, you may choose to complete the disclosure form at any time. At the time you sign up for/are placed in an experiential activity, you must disclose.

Please use this disclosure form: Prior Felony Disclosure Form

The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities will contact you to schedule a review meeting.