As custodian of student records in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, the university assumes the trust and obligation to ensure full protection of student records which includes maintaining the confidentiality of education records. The term 'student' in this policy means an eligible student under FERPA (a student at VCSU). Students may review a copy of FERPA and the regulations at the Office of the Registrar.

Student records maintained by the university fall into two general categories - - directory information and educational records. This policy defines Directory Information, as required under SBHE Policy 1912. Policies regarding Educational Records may be found in the Student Handbook.

Directory information is information concerning a student which may be released publicly. It includes the following:

• Name (all names on record)
• Address (all addresses on record)
• E-mail address (all electronic addresses on record
• Phone number (all phone numbers on record)
• Height, weight and photos of athletic team members
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Major field of study (all declared majors)
• Minor field of study (all declared minors)
• Class level
• Dates of attendance
• Enrollment status
• Names of previous institutions attended
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Honors/awards received
• Degree earned (all degrees earned)
• Date degree earned (dates of all degrees earned)
• Photographic, video or electronic images of students taken and maintained by the institution

A student may request that any or all of their directory information not be made public by officially requesting a restriction in the Office of the Registrar between the first and tenth day of class in a term. The specified directory information will then be treated the same as educational records information. In response to public inquiries, the university will verify only whether or not an individual is currently enrolled at the university, unless student name is restricted. This request will remain in effect until revoked in writing by the student.

The university receives inquiries for 'directory information' from a variety of sources including, but not limited to, prospective employers, other colleges and universities, graduate schools, licensing agencies, government agencies, news media, parents, friends, and relatives. Students should consider very carefully the consequences of their decision to withhold release of any or all directory information items. VCSU has no responsibility to contact a student for subsequent permission to release directory information after the student has requested a restriction. Student requests to withhold directory information will be honored until the student specifically and officially requests to lift these restrictions.

Sponsor: Vice President for Academic Affairs
Effective: May 17, 2011