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In accordance with institutional policy and the U.S. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), the University vigorously protects the privacy of student education records. FERPA affords eligible students (both current and former) certain rights with respect to their education records including the right to review, inspect, and challenge the accuracy of their records.
FERPA also prohibits the institution from disclosing personally identifiable information (PII) from the student’s education records without prior written consent unless an exception to the general consent rule applies. As permitted under federal law, the sole exception to the above practice is the release of “directory” information considered to be public in nature and not generally deemed to be an invasion of privacy.
At the University, the following categories are defined as “directory” information: student name; last known mailing address; preferred telephone number; UNLV-issued student e-mail address; school or college; major field of study; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; weight and height measurements for members of athletic teams; dates of attendance; date of graduation; enrollment status (full-time or part-time); status as an undergraduate or graduate student; degrees, honors, and awards received, and listings of the most recent educational agency or institution attended. A student has the right to request non-disclosure of directory information. If a student does not restrict the release of this information, it is probable that the information will be released or disclosed during the student’s enrollment at the University. The University uses directory information for non-commercial, educational purposes, such as to mail notices to students about changes in policies, services, or opportunities. Directory information may also be provided for commercial purposes to businesses affiliated with the institution, honor societies, the alumni association and foundation, or other individuals for purposes that may be beneficial to students. The University exercises discretion in responding to requests for directory information and may or may not provide such information when requested, depending on the intended purpose of the request. The University does not sell or rent student information for a fee (See NSHE Handbook, Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 28, Subsections 2 and 3).
It is important for a student to consider carefully the potential consequences of restricting the release of directory information. If a student restricts release for non-commercial educational purposes, the University will be unable to place the student’s name in publications such as honors and graduation programs; to confirm graduation and dates of attendance to potential employers; to verify enrollment with organizations such as insurance companies; or to send notifications about specialized scholarships without the express written authorization of the student. If, after due consideration, a student wishes to restrict the release of their directory information, the student must select the appropriate option online by logging on to the MyUNLV system. This directive, upon receipt and processing, will apply permanently to the student’s education record moving forward until the student chooses to reverse it by submitting a written authorization.
Last, an eligible student has the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education (Dept. of Education) concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. You may file a complaint with either the Registrar’s Office (registrar@unlv.edu) or with the U.S. Department of Education Student Privacy Policy Office via email at FERPA.Complaints@ed.gov or physically mail it to 400 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20202-8520. Additional information regarding FERPA may be found at:
Office of the Registrar: https://www.unlv.edu/registrar/ferpa
Dept. of Education: https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html
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