Prior Felony Convictions Policy

Policy Statement

State University of New York (SUNY) policy prohibits SUNY Oswego admission applications from inquiring into an applicant’s prior criminal history, and charges all SUNY campuses to create policies that collect felony information only from students wishing to live in college housing, study abroad or who participate in certain clinical and field experiences or internships.

The information required to be disclosed under SUNY policy regarding such felony convictions shall be reviewed by a standing campus committee consistent with the legal standards articulated in New York State Corrections Law.

Purpose/Scope

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that SUNY Oswego is in full compliance with SUNY requirements regarding students with previous felony convictions.

Applicability

This policy applies to all prospective and current students at SUNY Oswego.

Policy Procedures

After an applicant has been accepted as a student, SUNY Oswego shall inquire if the student has a prior felony conviction only if such student seeks:

1. Access to campus housing;
2. Participation in study abroad programs;
3. Participation in clinical and field experiences;
4. Participation in internships

Residence Life and Housing, the Office of International Education and Programs, and the School of Education’s Field Placement Office have procedures in place that already ask the question. An online survey has been created in Banner, and administered by EXCEL: Experiential Courses and Engaged Learning, for internship or practicum experiences.

Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. Students who have concerns about such matters are advised to contact the Office of the Associate Provost at 315.312.2232 or [email protected].

The following academic programs require an internship, student teaching, study abroad, or clinical/field experience and therefore are subject to the SUNY Prior Felony Convictions policy. 

Required Questionnaire

A prior felony questionnaire is required for students who wish to participate in Internships, Focus Forward or Oswego Children's Project (OCP). Sign into myOswego and then click on this link: Prior Felony Conviction Questionnaire.