Criminal Background Check (CBC) Process for Events & Venues

I. Scope

Criminal background checks are required for all University volunteers and event workers at the following venues for University events: 

• Auditorium  
• Farm Bureau Pavilion
• Jack Breslin Student Events Center
• Jenison Fieldhouse
• Munn Ice Arena
• Old College Field
• Spartan Stadium
• Wharton Center for Performing Arts 

This policy also applies to all University volunteers and event workers at the following University venues regularly open to the public for recreational or entertainment purposes: 

• Abrams Planetarium
• Beal Botanical Garden and Campus Arboretum
• Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum
• MSU Museum 

Exclusions: This policy does not apply to private events at the above-listed University venues. Additionally, MSU Extensions (including 4-H) volunteers who have completed the Extension Volunteer Selection Process are exempt. 

II. Policy Procedures

Background checks for the Farm Bureau Pavilion must be submitted by the department or organization hosting the event and will be processed by Human Resources.   
 
The Athletics Department will process CBCs for all athletic venues, with the exception of third-party contractors that will process CBCs for both volunteer and paid staff working concessions and catering for athletic events. 
 
CBCs for the following (with the exception of third-party contractors) are managed by the Athletics Department: 

• Jack Breslin Student Events Center (effective July 1, 2026)
• Jenison Fieldhouse
• Munn Ice Arena
• Old College Field
• Spartan Stadium 

CBCs for the following locations shall be conducted through the Human Resources Department:

• Abrams Planetarium
• Auditorium
• Beal Botanical Garden and Campus Arboretum
• Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum
• Farm Bureau Pavilion (effective July 1, 2026)
• MSU Museum
• Wharton Center for Performing Arts  

Submit the Events/Venues Program CBC Authorization Form to cbc@hr.msu.edu

III. MSU HR Responsibilities:

• Each of the following tools shall be used to conduct CBCs for volunteers and event workers: 
  • Michigan State Police: Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT)
  • Michigan Department of Corrections: Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS)
  • U.S. Department of Justice: National Sex Offender Public Web Site (NSOPW) 
• Reviews criminal background check results and assesses eligibility.
• Provides eligibility status for all Event/Venue Program volunteers and/or workers associated with the specified event or venue.

Individuals who do not have satisfactory CBC results will be provided with an opportunity to explain the results and give clarifying information to the Athletics Department (effective July 1, 2026), or the Human Resources Department before a final decision regarding eligibility is made.

IV. Related Information and Attachments 

• University Events and Venues Criminal Background Check (CBC) Authorization Form 
• Criminal Background Check Policy for University Events and Venues

Refer questions to MSU Human Resources at cbc@hr.msu.edu.