Confidentiality and Release of Information Policy and Procedures

The Student Development Center is committed to ensuring that all information regarding a student is maintained as confidential as required or permitted by law. The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, 1974 (FERPA), http://www.abac.edu/registrar/catalog/2008_2009/FERPA.pdf/  provides guidelines on right of access and disclosure of student education records. Any information collected by the Student Development Center is used to verify the disability and provide appropriate services. The information may include biographical information, disability information, and case notes.

I.    Policy

      ●    Only staff from the Student Development Center have immediate access to student disability files.

      ●    Any information regarding a disability obtained from the student or other sources shall be considered confidential.

      ●    Documents in disability files created by the Student Development Center will not be released to an outside third party without the written consent of the student (FERPA).

      ●    The Student Development Center staff will discuss with the student the information being released, the purpose of the release, and to whom the information is being released.

      ●    Information regarding a student’s disability can be shared WITHOUT prior written permission in certain circumstances. Refer to ABAC’s Office of the Registrar at www.abac.edu for detailed information regarding FERPA policies.

      ●    The Student Development Center may charge a reasonable fee for costs incurred in connection with copying disability records.

      ●    The Student Development Center will retain a copy of all disability records for 7 years after students leave the college. If a student wishes to have a record expunged, he/she must make a written request to the Director who will make a determination.

      ●    A student may review the contents of his/her file with Dr. Maggie Martin or Ms. Annie Sims. All information in the file is the property of the Student Development Center.

II.    General Principles

●     All disability related information is housed in the Student Development Center unless the student has provided the information to the Student Health Center, Office of Housing and Student Life, to individual instructors or others by the student himself or herself.

●     Disability files are secured in locked cabinets.

●     Faculty do not have access to student disability files without written permission by the student.

●     Neither disability nor use of accommodations is noted on a student’s transcripts or diploma.

●     This confidentiality policy remains in effect after the student is no longer enrolled at ABAC.

●     As part of new employee orientation, the Student Development Center requires office members to sign an Employee Confidentiality Agreement.

●     The Student Development Center will retain a copy of the confidentiality policy on the Student Development Center website.

●     Review of this policy will take place as needed.

 Last updated Friday, February 20, 2009 02:56 PM