Issue link: http://denverseminary.uberflip.com/i/731871
2016-2017 Denver Seminary West Texas Extension Student Handbook 30 Non-Academic Policies and Services Confidentiality and Institutional Responsibility Denver Seminary upholds all federal, state and local laws and desires to employ sound practices regarding managing student behavior and communicating students' rights. Students should be aware that Faculty and Staff have an institutional responsibility and at times a legal obligation to report issues of concerning behavior to Seminary officials and/or the authorities. Therefore, students should not assume and can never be assured of confidentiality, even when they discuss personal matters with faculty or staff. FERPA Denver Seminary complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. This act was designated to i) protect the privacy of students' educational records, ii) establish the right of students to inspect and review their records, and iii) provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data. Students also have the right to file complaints with the FERPA Office concerning alleged failures by the Seminary to comply with the Act. More complete information about FERPA can be found online here. Definition of "Directory Information" FERPA permits public disclosure of directory information without the student's consent. According to policy, Denver Seminary designates the following student information as directory information: name, address, telephone number, email address, dates of attendance, program year, major, and degrees conferred (including dates). Right to Withhold Disclosures Currently enrolled students may withhold disclosure of any directory information. To withhold disclosure, written notification must be received by the Registrar's Office prior to the end of the first week of the semester. Alumni may request withholding permanently. Forms requesting the withholding of directory information are available in the Registrar's Office and on MyDenSem (My Academics Academic Forms). Failure to request the withholding of directory information constitutes approval for discretionary disclosure. Definition of "School Official" Under certain circumstances, information about students' educational records may also be released to "school officials" who have a "legitimate educational interest." Individuals whose responsibilities place them within this category include: faculty and staff of the Seminary, faculty advisers, admissions counselors; academic advisers; deans, department chairpersons, directors, and other administrative officials responsible for some part of the academic enterprise or supporting activity; security personnel; development officers; staff in Alumni Relations; administrative and faculty sponsors of officially recognized clubs, organizations, etc.; members of official Seminary committees, including students and alumni; staff personnel employed to assist Seminary officials in discharging professional responsibilities; and persons or entities under contract with the Seminary to provide a specific task or service related to the Seminary's educational mission.