Disciplinary probation at a university is a formal status that indicates a student is no longer in good standing with the university due to a violation of the Student Conduct Code. It can be general, applying to all university policies, or it can be limited to specific types of conduct, such as drug or alcohol use. Probationary periods can also include restrictions on participation in university activities or privileges.
WILL A DISCIPLINARY ACTION ON YOUR STUDENT RECORD PREVENT YOU FROM OBTAINING A SECURTITY CLEARANCE?
“I was put on disciplinary probation at my school due to a case about harassment and defamation. This was in May 2024 and will last one year from then. I’m trying to join the military with a position requiring a TS/SCI, so I’m filling out the SF86. My recruiter told me to leave this off the form. I fully intend to disclose this during the interview and be completely honest about it. Most people who know me know about this incident, so it’s not a secret, and no threat of blackmail or anything. I have references that can attest to me being a good person despite this but I’m not sure if that matters.
This incident took place entirely online, someone was making death threats against people I know and I got upset and sent an unacceptable message in return. I received a no-contact order, which the other person broke several times although I honored it. I chose not to appeal this decision since I just didn’t think it was worth the time to fight the case. I have since learned from the incident, being very careful about what I put online now.
My question is, would this be cause to deny me a clearance? I don’t intend to do anything like this again and know how stupid and careless I was to do what I did. Just not sure if the investigators will see it that way, especially since it was so recent.”
There isn’t a specific section on the SF-86 asking about disciplinary probation while you are attending college or university, so this scenario would not be reportable under the police or education parts of the form.
One investigator notes, “At the very end of the SF-86, it has a comment section where you add any additional information that may be pertinent to the investigation – I would list it there.” Over the course of the background investigation, investigators obtain records from schools (in addition to other sources) and the information will likely be uncovered there. During the subject interview, investigators inquire if applicants had any issues while attending school to include suspension, expulsion, probation, etc.
The incident in a applicant’s background alone is rarely the issue or an ultimate disqualifier. Lying about it is.
This question was posed from a subscriber at ClearanceJobsBlog.com, where you can read and discuss government security clearance process, how to get a security clearance job, and background investigations issues.
Much about the clearance process resembles the Pirate’s Code: “more what you’d call guidelines than actual rules.” This case-by-case system is meant to consider the whole person, increase process security, and allow the lowest-risk/highest-need candidates to complete the process. This article is intended as general information only and should not be construed as legal advice. Consult an attorney regarding your specific situation.Â
