Early Field Experiences

NOTE:  This background check is not sufficient for admission, internship or licensing. It can only be used for early field experiences .  For admission, internship and licensing, candidates must complete the child maltreatment registry check and criminal history background check process that is detailed here.


Those who currently hold a valid Arkansas teaching license are not required to complete an additional background check before beginning a field experience.  The following information is for those candidates seeking an initial license.

Undergraduate & MAT Candidates Only

Prior to any field experience, undergraduate and MAT candidates must have an approved background check.  Those who do not have an approved background check may use the Student Connect system.  More information about this process is shared in classes that require an early field experience.

If you have completed a background check through the Arkansas Department of Education, you can logon to the licensure system and print the screen as evidence for your instructor.  Click here for the Arkansas Educator Licensure System (AELS).

Click Here to Initiate Student Connect Background Check


What happens next?

Once you submit the form above, you will receive a link to complete the process.  If you do not receive the link in your inbox, check your spam folder.

If you cannot find the link, ask your instructor for your student code. You can access your record by going to studentconnect.cc , click STUDENT ACCESS, and enter your student code. The school code is UCA.


Initial License School Counseling Only

A preliminary background check is required before beginning any field experience (e.g. Practicum).  Those with a current teaching license may use the background check that they completed for licensure.  Initial license school counseling students should contact the School Counseling program coordinator for information about acceptable background checks.