Affirmative Disclosures of Prior Criminal and Disciplinary History

I. Policy Statement

As a part of UNH’s mission of distinction in education, scholarship, and service, the University strives to provide a safe living, learning and working community for all its members. As part of a holistic review of applicants when deciding whether to offer admission or reinstatement, prospective student applicants and students returning from a temporary separation (leave of absence or suspension) are required to disclose their prior or pending criminal history. Transfer and graduate applicants are also required to disclose their prior non-academic disciplinary history at previous higher education institutions. Prospective and returning students are only required to disclose criminal and disciplinary history that occurred within the scope and timeframe specified in the disclosure request.

This policy does not apply to students enrolled at the Franklin Pierce School of Law, who are subject to the Law School's separate policies and procedures governing criminal and disciplinary history disclosure.

Having a prior criminal or disciplinary history is not an automatic disqualification from admission. UNH affirms its commitment to addressing inequities for prospective students who have historically faced barriers to accessing higher education. This review process determines the mutual compatibility of the applicant and the University.

Per National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) policy, the University is responsible for exercising due diligence in identifying and addressing serious or sexual misconduct issues; therefore, all prospective first year and incoming transfer student-athletes disciplined through a Title IX or sexual misconduct proceeding or criminally convicted, regardless of the degree, and whether the result of a plea or court determination, are required to disclose this information.

Disclosure may include some or all of the following:

• Sexual Violence (forcible and nonforcible sex offenses, ranging from sexual battery, sexual assault to rape).
• Interpersonal Violence (including dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking).
• Other Acts of Violence (crimes including murder, manslaughter, aggravated assault, or any assault that employs the use of a deadly weapon or causes serious bodily injury).

II. Affirmative Responses to Application Questions

If an individual responds "yes" and discloses prior criminal or disciplinary history, the department managing the application or reinstatement will request that the individual provide a factual explanation regarding the underlying incident(s) for both criminal and disciplinary history and any relevant documentation.

This may include:

• A summary statement of the individual’s reportable disciplinary history or redacted education records detailing factual findings from a previously attended educational institution.
• Law enforcement report(s) or court record reflecting the conviction (for criminal history), and any other information the individual would like considered.

III. Pre-Admission Review and Determination

Prior to any consideration of criminal or disciplinary history, the application will be reviewed by the applicable department to determine if the individual is otherwise eligible for admission or reinstatement. After the department determines that the individual is eligible, the application will proceed to the review process as described below.

The applicant is under a continuing obligation with respect to these questions. If any answer changes post-admission but prior to matriculation, the admitted student must inform the appropriate department without delay.

In the event that a conviction is rendered following an applicant’s acceptance but prior to matriculation, the matter may be subject to review by the Admission and Reentry Committee. Upon review, the Committee reserves the authority to uphold the original offer of admission, modify the offer by imposing conditions or restrictions, or rescind the offer in its entirety.

IV. Admission and Reentry Review Committee

The Admission and Reentry Review Committee is charged with reviewing disclosures of prior disciplinary and criminal history of prospective new incoming and transfer students, and any disclosure of criminal history for students seeking to be reinstated after a temporary separation. Membership is comprised of qualified representatives who will perform a holistic, individualized review based on a multifactor analysis to fairly determine whether an applicant’s past or pending disciplinary or criminal history justifies an offer or denial of admission or reinstatement.