What if there is a 'finding' on my background?

*Please note: As of spring 2025, if you have a completed MOVECHS background check and are not enrolled in courses for one or more semesters, you will need to redo your MOVECHS background check when you return. 

Procedure for Monitoring and Processing FBI Fingerprinting Background Check Findings

The Professional Education Services office processes MOVECHS FBI fingerprinting background checks and verifies the clearance date of DESE FBI background checks. In the event that there is a “finding” on a student’s record, the following procedure will be followed. Students will not be allowed to begin their practicum, internship or student teaching until the procedure is completed and the student has been approved by the program/department to enter or re-enter the classroom.

If the student wishes to challenge the accuracy and completeness of information contained in the finding report, it is the student's responsibility to contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

1. A compliance specialist will contact you, the student, to let you know there is a finding.
   1. You need to create a DESE profile.
   2. The compliance specialist will notify the appropriate departmental personnel that a finding has been received. The department personnel may meet with you.
   3. Continuance in the program is contingent on DESE clearance (DESE FBI fingerprinting background check and Substitute Certificate) AND departmental approval. 
   4. A current (less than 1 year) DESE FBI fingerprinting background check is required to apply for a substitute certificate through DESE.
      1. See information about obtaining a DESE FBI fingerprinting background check.
      2. See information about obtaining a Substitute Certificate.
   5. After DESE clearance is obtained, program personnel may possibly schedule a meeting to discuss the background check finding AND continuance in the program. Approval to continue in the program will be based on DESE clearance and any other program requirements.
   6. If requested from the compliance specialist, you can receive a copy of the background check finding.
2. In order to obtain DESE clearance and/or continue in the program, you must complete one of the following procedures to determine eligibility for DESE certification upon completion of your program:
   1. If you have been issued a substitute certificate by DESE since the time of the finding, you may possibly meet with the appropriate program personnel to discuss the background check finding AND continuance in the program.
   2. If you have not been issued a substitute certificate since the time of the finding (or have an expired substitute certificate), you must obtain a DESE FBI background check and apply for (or renew) a substitute certificate. If the substitute certificate is issued, the student may possibly meet with the appropriate program personnel to discuss the background check finding AND continuance in the program.
3. The DESE FBI fingerprinting result is valid for one year and must be renewed upon expiration, when applicable.

* If you have completed the DESE FBI background check, then you can see it in your DESE Educator Profile > Profile tab > Fingerprint Information bar.

Expiration dates of your completed/received compliance documents can be viewed in your My Missouri State > My Student Records card > Test Scores.

Office information

Professional Education Services - Hill Hall 212

Compliance Documents - Hill Hall 212

Office Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Monday through Friday)

Office: 417-836-8772

Fax: 417-836-6546

Email: ComplianceDocs@MissouriState.edu