Students have the right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in their education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
One exception that permits disclosure without consent relates to directory information. Directory information is designated student information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released. Directory information is designated to be used internally within Hawkeye but its purpose may also be to allow Hawkeye to include this type of information about a student in certain school publications including, but not limited to school directory, yearbook, honor roll or other recognition lists, and graduation programs.
Hawkeye may designate the following information as directory information:
- student’s name
- date of birth
- grade level
- enrollment status
- major field of study
- dates of attendance
- degrees and awards received
- photograph or other likeness
- most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student
- other similar information
Hawkeye may designate the following information as directory information which may be released with a signed request and photo ID of the requester:
- student’s address
- telephone number
- email address
Hawkeye will require a court-ordered subpoena to release any other information concerning a student’s record.
Students who do not wish Hawkeye to release directory information should complete a Request to Prevent Disclosure of Directory Information form [pdf] with the Records and Registration office.
Another exception to the consent requirement is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by Hawkeye in administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom Hawkeye has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Additional exceptions to the consent requirement are Hawkeye may forward educational record information to requesting institutions in which the student seeks or intends to enroll if the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals.