Release Policy
To totally prohibit the release of even a student’s name or dates of enrollment, for example, would be as much a disservice to students as it would be an imposition on the daily functioning of the school. The law permits certain categories of information to be designated as directory information and to be released without requiring written consent, provided the student (or parents where appropriate) has been notified what information is included as directory information and has been given a specific time to request any such information to be withheld from release.
The University has designated as directory information the following categories:
- Student’s name
- Local address, telephone numbers, and NLU email address (of currently enrolled students only)
- Dates of enrollment
- Major field of study
- Diploma or degree awarded
- Honors or awards received
- Announcement of public performances and ceremonies officially recognized by the University
Information designated by National Louis University as directory information may be individually released without prior consent unless the student (or parent) requests in writing to withhold release. Any such request to withhold release of directory information will apply to all directory information. Students should send such a request to the Office of Admissions and Records.
No other personally identifiable information about a current or former student may be released to any person or agency outside the University except by the written, signed, and dated request of the student (or parent where appropriate) specifying the information to be released and to whom it is to be released. National Louis University is not required, however, to provide a third party access to education records even when the student has provided consent. Parents and spouses of students may obtain non-directory information only at the discretion of the university and after the consent form has been received. The University reserves the right to deny direct access to student records to other third parties without providing explanation. At the request of the student (or parent), a copy of the information to be released will be provided when he or she consents to the release. (*The Privacy Act provides for a number of exceptions to this rule whereby information may be released to accrediting agencies, certain federal and state authorities, for reason of emergencies related to the health and safety of the student, etc., without notifying the student or parent. A list of such exceptions may be obtained upon request. Emergency release of information may be necessary on approval of an appropriate administrative officer. In addition, notification shall not be given if the student [or parent, where appropriate] has directly made the request for the release of information.) In situations in which confidential records are being discussed, the University reserves the right to restrict third-party participants. Within the University, certain information within a student’s record may be necessary for an individual or an office for whom it was not originally collected. Such information may be made available to University officials, including instructors, having legitimate educational interests.
The University shall maintain a record of all individuals or agencies that have requested or obtained access to a student’s educational records and the legitimate interest they have in such records. The University shall keep this record as part of the student’s total educational record, subject to the same restrictions on release and access. The University shall not maintain records of release of directory information requested directly by the student (or parent where appropriate) or requested by individuals within the school who have legitimate educational interest.
Whenever personally identifiable information about a student is released, the University shall stipulate, in writing, that the person or agency to whom it is released may not transmit such information to another individual or agency without the prior written consent of the student or parent of students below the post-secondary level.
*When is Consent not Required? (FERPA Privacy Act Regulations, Section 34 CFR 99.31)
34 CFR 99.31 states that an educational institution may disclose personally identifiable information without consent required by 34 CFR 99.30 if it meets one of the following exceptions:
1. Disclosure to School Officials
2. Disclosure to Schools in which student intends to enroll
3. Disclosure to Federal and State Authorities for Audit
4. Disclosure in connection with Financial Aid
5. Disclosure to State and Local Authorities
6. Disclosure for Studies for educational institutions
7. Disclosure to Accrediting Agency
8. Disclosure to parents of Dependent Student
9. Disclosure to comply with judicial order or subpoena
10. Disclosure in connection with health and safety emergency
11. Disclosure of Directory Information
12. Disclosure to the Student
13. Disclosure to comply with The Patriot Act, Public Law 107-56