Confidentiality and FERPA

Most new university students are about 18 years’ old and becoming young adults.  In Minnesota, that means that students are able to vote, serve in the military, and make adult decisions such as signing a lease or contract.  It also means that students are able to make their own medical, academic and counseling decisions.  While this can be a challenging transition for some students, it is also an opportunity for parents to support their student in making their own decisions and learning to become an independent adult.

This change from high school may be a point of conflict or confusion for families.  Many times parents or family members have made considerable financial investment for the student’s education in addition to providing emotional support.  It may be a surprise to the family that there are not automatic rights to such confidential information.  Families may choose to anticipate this change by discussing in advance with their student how they will communicate about such issues. 

ACADEMIC RECORDS

Student Privacy Policies

WSU complies with the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.  Based on these two acts, students are afforded certain rights with regard to their education records.  Specifically, students have the right to:

1. Inspect and review their education records within 45 days of the date that the University receives the student's request for access.
2. Request correction of records the student believes to be inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of his/her privacy rights.
3. Withdraw consent to disclosure of “directory information” as defined  in the following policy statement:

Pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statue Section 13.32, Subdivision 3; and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 USC 1232g et seq. 1974, Winona State University gives notice that the following directory information will be released upon request:

• Name; Classification
• Permanent Address; Permanent Telephone Number
• Enrollment Status (Full-Time or Part-Time)
• Local Address/ Residence Status; Local Telephone Number
• Date of WSU Graduation
• Date and Place of Birth
• Major and Minor Fields of Study and Licensure Programs
• Participation in Officially Recognized Activities and Sports
• Weight and Height (of Athletic Team Members)
• Dates of Attendance
• Degrees and Awards Received
• Most Recent Previous Educational Institution Attended

The University may disclose any of these items without prior written consent, unless notified in writing to the contrary. Any student who objects to the release of all or any part of the directory information on file in his or her name must notify the Registrar's Office, in writing, that he or she does not wish to have such information released. This request will be honored and all, or any specified portion of the information, which the student requests not to be released, will be held confidential.

Student Right to Know Act
Institutional Research
Maxwell Hall, Room 205 (507-457-5004)

In compliance with the federal Student Right to Know Act, WSU tracks the rates at which full-time students complete bachelor's degrees from the University, within a specified period of time.  This information is available on request from the Office of Institutional Research.

Name or Address Change
Students should notify the Registrar as soon as possible concerning any change of name or address to ensure that WSU's academic records are accurate and that mail is forwarded properly.  Students may submit name and address changes via the WSU website, or they may request the necessary forms from the Registrar's Office.  Students who are candidates for graduation should also make the same name or address changes on the Application for Graduation.  The Registrar's staff does not automatically update that form.