Ryan ChartrandTwo weeks ago the Office of Academic Records sent an e-mail informing students of their privacy rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Cal Poly reserves the right to release personal student directory information unless students request a privacy restriction electronically through the university student information system.
FERPA provides students with the ability to have some control over disclosure of their personal information as well as the right to view their own education records and the right to seek amendment of those records.
“Cal Poly and its auxiliaries do not sell or provide student information to organizations or companies that do not have a legitimate need to know,” said Patricia Warnick-Wait, Director of the Office of Academic Records. “And vendors that Cal Poly contracts out with are required to sign a confidentiality agreement.”
Warnick-Wait said the agreement includes a statement that vendors must sign that says they will not sell the student information or use it for any other purpose than originally intended.
According to the Office of Academic Records there are two different restrictions that students can place on their personal information.
Directory information restriction includes restricting name, local address, local telephone listing, e-mail address, birthplace, major, dates of attendance, degrees and awards that were received through the university, a photograph if applicable, weight and height of individuals on athletic teams, most recent educational institution attended prior to Cal Poly and participation in recognized activities or sports.
Locator information is only a portion of directory information and includes name, local address, telephone number and e-mail address.
The default setting for Cal Poly students is unprotected. Should students wish to restrict their privacy, they are responsible for changing the setting on their personal information tab at http://my.calpoly.edu.
“I think it should be the other way around where you have to check a box if you want to release your information,” said biology freshman Katherine White.
There are disadvantages to students who choose to place privacy restrictions on their personal information; students will not be included in the Cal Poly on-line directory or the ASI student directory, and will not receive mailings from clubs or the Alumni Association.
Additionally, students with directory information restrictions block Cal Poly from verifying any data without the signature of the student. This includes blocking Cal Poly from verifying attendance and degree dates at the university to prospective employers.
“I think it should be different because I want the security that I have records here and won’t have trouble in the future without having to release my personal information in general,” said biology freshman Emily Smith.
Exceptions for releasing personal information (even with a privacy restriction) are in health and safety emergencies, with a subpoena, search warrant and Ex Parte Order or to another educational institution in which the student wishes to enroll or is presently enrolled.
“Students who want some protection would be well served to protect their locator information,” Warnick-Wait said.
Individuals with questions regarding their privacy rights are encouraged to contact the Office of Academic Records at 756-2531.