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Will having a felony record from long ago hinder you from getting an Associates Degree in Psychology in Texas? |
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Answer
Felony and graduating....
No, community colleges in Texas will not prevent you from graduating if you have felony. Working in the field or getting certification may be a different story. For example, you could get a degree in education with a felony, but legally you cannot be certification track or teach in Texas. -former college recruiter in Texas
Answer
As you know a felony charge is a serious one and can carry a 25 year prison term (most never serve this) and some get off with a slap on the wrist if it's their first offence.
It depends how serious the felony charge was and how long ago it was.
If this person has had a clean record for 2 years or more it shouldn't have any ill side effects. Because police records are a record of that person (I just had a police record check because of the type of work I do ... passed! Phew) it is there for all to see should an employer chose to do so. However, most employers don't ask, but if you have to fill out any questionnaire and it asks if you have had a police record it's best to tell the truth. Usually under that there is ("Please explain") so do so.
States vary in their laws as well, so it's best to get some legal advice as to what will protect others and yourself.
Most people "love to forgive" so that is a given providing the crime has not caused a death or this person has not extorted great deals of money from the public.
Most people with a record for a first time offence deserve a second chance (this does not include murder or suspicion of murder, or divious acts such as rape or beatings.)
Also, it depends on how "high profile" your College is. It's worth forging through and making a good difference in life. We all make mistakes and hopefully learn from them.
Good luck Marcy
Answer
Here is something that will help:
STATEMENT OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:
Most collages are: equal opportunity, institution and employer. The College does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, color, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, creed, and/or disability in the administration if its educational policies, admission policies, scholarships and loan programs, employment practices, and all institutional programs.
For the person who committed the felony there is no word of Police Record, and a PRISON IS AN INSTITUTION and if this College of choice should not consider this person with the felony record, then it is classified as discrimination.
However, be warned, the person with the felony charge should have paid his/her dues to society, stayed cleaned and showed society that they are a responsible adult.
Another caution. Although it's best to always be honest if asked a question by college administration or on a questionnaire regarding a criminal record before being accepted into the college, DO NOT talk to students or brag in any way about your police record. This will only draw attention and could cause this person a lot of pain.
update
regarding discrimination: some states (Florida) allow schools to prohibit students with certain criminal histories from attending their universities. Is it legally debatable? Yes. However, it is also a reality that people outside of Texas should be aware of. You should check with your school before applying. Generally, community colleges are more open to people with various backgrounds as they tend to serve/rehabilitate lower income communities and work to develop an educated workforce. -Travelour, former recruiter
Answer
Hello, I received a AAS in Human Services, a BAAS in Human Services/Psychology, and I will receive my MA in Psychology at the end of the summer and I was convicted of a state jail felony 8 years ago. When I taught General Psychology, I was called in to my dean and asked to explain, but he was very understanding and I was far from the first one he had to talk to in the past years.
The problem I have is explaining it to future employers, and I just saw a application that read, "Commission of a crime will not be an automatic bar to consideration for employment; however, applicants convicted of certain criminal offenses may be ineligible for employment under applicable Texas law," so there are some felony convictions that will drastically hinder you finding a job especially in the human service and psychology fields.
Hope this helps CRD
First answer by Marcy. Last edit by Travelour. Contributor trust: 76 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 84 [recommend question]
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