SECTION 6: SOCIAL MEDIA SCREENING AND BACKGROUND CHECK INFORMATION
Utah FFA Officers are high-profile representatives of the Utah FFA Association. They work through a rigorous and intensive selection process to ensure the six individuals selected to lead the Association exemplify the Utah officer competencies, serve as a positive example and influence to all stakeholders, and uphold the codes of ethics and conduct of the Utah FFA Association. All candidates will be required to consent to a social media screening and background check to be eligible for consideration.
During the past decade, the influence of social media has grown immensely. Both personal and professional brands are maintained through social media, and ones’ conduct on various platforms is crucial information to their ability to positively influence the lives of students and other stakeholders. Understanding how a candidate conducts themselves on social media is a vital piece of evidence for the nominating committee. It provides the opportunity to discover major concerns with a candidate’s social media conduct prior to the beginning of the process. Similar to employees, Utah FFA Officers are trusted with responsibilities and resources of the Utah FFA Association, including credit cards, technology and equipment. Additionally, Utah FFA Officers frequently visit high schools, conventions, and other events where student safety is a priority. To do our part in ensuring student safety, as well as our due diligence before giving officers high levels of responsibility, all candidates must also consent to a criminal background check prior to their participation in the selection process. This background check is like what one would expect to consent to in an employment process.
HOW WILL THESE BE CONDUCTED?
We have contracted with a third-party company, CrimCheck, to conduct social media screenings and background checks. Once a candidate completes their Utah officer application, their name, e-mail address, and phone number will be provided to CrimCheck. From here, the company sends an authorization link to the candidate. This link collects the necessary information for the screening process and provides each candidate with all legal paperwork, consent forms, and notices.
HOW WILL THESE REPORTS BE REVIEWED? CAN AN INDIVIDUAL BE DISQUALIFIED?
These reports will be reviewed by two Utah FFA Staff members to identify any major concerns. Major concerns may include, but are not limited to, the following:Reported criminal activity, Professional misconduct, Discriminatory behavior, Illegal behavior, Violent behavior, Sexual behavior, and Inappropriate behavior.
If it is believed that the report contains concerning material and that the candidate violated the FFA Code of Ethics or acted in a manner unacceptable of a Utah FFA Officer, the report will be escalated to be reviewed by the Utah FFA Advisory Board. These individuals will review the concerning material and consult the chapter nominating the candidate for office. The Association Advisory Board and Executive Director may deem the candidate ineligible. Candidates can request a copy of the report from CrimCheck.