CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS POLICY

Gonzaga University's policy concerning the confidentiality of student educational records reflects a reasonable balance between the obligation of the institution for the instruction and welfare of its students and its responsibility to society.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) relates to access to student educational records. Gonzaga University will make a reasonable effort to extend to eligible students and their parents the rights granted by the act.

Student Access To Records: On presentation of appropriate identification and under circumstances that prevent alteration or mutilation of records, a student will be able to inspect his/her educational records under FERPA. University departments may charge a fee for copies of records. A student may challenge the contents of his/her educational records, to have a hearing if the outcome of the challenge is unsatisfactory, and to submit explanatory statements for inclusion in his/her file if the decision of the hearing panel is unacceptable.

Student Directory Information: Certain categories of student information are considered "open" or directory information which may be published in a student directory or event program and released to the media and to the public if a student is enrolled at the University at the time of the request. Directory information includes the following:

• Student Name
• Addresses and Telephone Numbers
• E-mail address
• Place of Birth
• Visual Image (photograph, video)
• Major Field of Study
• Dates of Attendance (Current and Past)
• Full or Part Time Enrollment Status
• Year in School (Class)
• Degree(s) Received and/or pursued
• Scholastic Honors and Awards Received
• Other Educational Institutions Attended
• Weight and Height (Members of Athletic Teams)

A student may request that directory information not be released by so indicating in the Registrar's office. In that case, this information will not be disclosed except with the consent of the student or as otherwise allowed by FERPA.

No personally identifiable information contained in a student's educational records, other than directory information, will be given to any outside third party, except as authorized by the Act, without the student's written consent.

Offices of Gonzaga University release student information with the understanding that the information will be used only for the purpose for which it is requested and will not be given to any other individual or entity. The recipient of the student information will keep the information in such a way that the information cannot be accessed by unauthorized personnel.

Parents or Guardians Access: Parents or guardians may have access to grade reports and other reports of a student's activity if they establish, to the satisfaction of the University, that the student is dependent, for income tax purposes, on the parents or guardians for the student's support. Parents must provide a copy of the last filed income tax return form as proof of a student's dependency prior to the release of any data. If a student is receiving financial aid, records in the office of Financial Aid at the University may be used as a proof of dependency. This information can be accessed by designated individuals if the student completes a Disclosure Form assigning this privilege. This form is available in the Registrar's Office as well as in the Office of Academic Services.

Faculty and Administrator Access: A faculty member or administrative officer of Gonzaga University who has a legitimate need to use a student's educational records will be allowed access to such records as needed without prior permission from the student.