CMU Midtier Program

Procedure for Running a Michigan State Police ICHAT background check:

The Michigan State Police Criminal Records Division has revised their policy regarding free background checks for Central Michigan University education students.  We are no longer eligible to run free background checks through the ICHAT (Internet Criminal History Access Tool) system for students obtaining field hours in K-12 school districts.

In light of this change, the College of Education and Human Services Midtier student will be required to provide a hard copy of an ICHAT check obtained on line through the Michigan State Police site.  This verification will be brought to the Center for Student Services, EHS 421, with the required placement paperwork.  A fee of $10.00 will be required and submitted on line to the State Police Criminal Records Division.

Midtier students are strongly advised to keep a hard copy of their ICHAT for other required field experiences as well as volunteer hours within local school districts.  The midtier office will only be able to make copies of the ICHAT for office use only.

The ICHAT verification will be good for one academic school year.  A student that is required to obtain multiple field experiences will be required to present an updated verification of an ICHAT check for each academic school year.

  1. Log in to the ICHAT website at: http://apps.michigan.gov/ichat/home.aspx
  2. Click on “Background Search” on the left side of the ICHAT homepage and follow directions for registering and completing a background check.  If you have trouble navigating the website, view the tutorial by clicking on the “How to Use ICHAT” link and then choose number 3 on the list of tutorials “ICHAT Tutorial  for Businesses and Individuals.”  Please be aware there is a $10 fee for running the check.  You will need a credit card available to pay the fee.
  3. Print a copy of your ICHAT search results.
  4. Make at least two copies of your ICHAT results; one to turn in with your midtier placement forms, and one for your own files.
    NOTE: The Midtier Office will only be able to make copies of the ICHAT for office use only.  Be sure to keep a copy of the ICHAT for your records.
  5. Turn in a copy of your ICHAT results with your midtier placement forms to the CSS office, EHS 421 by the posted due date.  If you have questions regarding the ICHAT background check procedure call the Midtier assistant at 774-7662.