> Office of Legal Counsel
Privacy of Student Records
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy
Act, a federal law that protects the confidentiality of a student's education
record, and Montana state statutes, specify that the university may not release
information from a student's record to anyone outside of the university without
the express written consent of the student. This means that MSU generally
must withhold such information from parents and others who believe their
relationship with the student entitles them to have the information. As a
result, we sometimes encounter frustrated parents, guardians, or spouses who
question why they cannot have information about a student's grades, financial
obligations, or standing with the university.
Education records covered by federal and
state privacy laws includes grades, housing information, financial status,
results of disciplinary proceedings, class schedules and courses, etc.
Health information maintained by the university, including medical and
psychological records, are also protected under separate Montana statutes
governing the release of health information.
Please understand that because of these
laws, MSU CANNOT release this information without the express written
consent of the student.
Federal law allows release of certain information referred to as directory
information. This includes the student's full name, local address and
phone number, dates of attendance and degrees, honors and certificates received,
class level (e.g. freshman) and academic major(s). The student has the
right to request the university not to release directory information by
notifying the Registrar's Office in writing of this request. The
University may also release information without the student's consent in
connection with an emergency if necessary to protect the health or safety of the
student or other individuals.
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