FERPA allows the university to share certain “directory information” without your consent, unless you choose to opt out (see How to Opt Out below). If you do not opt out, this information may be disclosed at the university’s discretion. FERPA also requires the university to clearly define what counts as directory information (see definitions below).
For purposes of disclosure to the general public, the following data elements are considered directory information:
- Student's legal name
Note: By submitting a preferred first name, students are consenting to its use and publication by Southern Connecticut State University across institutional records, documents, reports, and communications, except where a legal name is required. - Permanent mailing address (street, town and zip code)
- Photographs
- Dates of attendance (including terms)
- Class standing (e.g., freshman, sophomore, etc.)
- Major, minor, concentration and/or program of study
- Institutional information (institution of attendance, school and department names)
- Degree/Certificate/Credential candidacy
- Degree(s)/Certificate(s)/Credential(s) earned
- Academic Honors & Awards
- Full vs. Part-time status
- Anticipated graduation date
- Graduation date
- School assigned email address
For purposes of publicizing participation in any recognized activity or sports, the following data elements are considered directory information, in addition to the data elements listed as directory for the public:
- Recognized activity or sport
- Team performance statistics
- Team position
- Photos and videos
- Athletic Honors & Awards
- Height and weight of athlete.
For access by military recruiters only, the following data elements are considered directory information, in addition to the data elements listed as directory for the public:
- Student email address (issued by the institution)
- Telephone number
- Age
- Place of birth (not collected by CSCU institutions)
- Current institution attended
For access by CSCU employees to support communication about students including enrollment opportunities for students between CSCU institutions, the following data elements are considered directory information, in addition to the data elements listed as directory for the public:
- Credits earned
- School assigned email address
- Disciplinary records about students who have been removed from campus for conduct reasons (including suspensions and expulsions)
The primary purpose of classifying some information in the education record as directory information allows the institution to verify information about enrollment or degrees conferred for potential employers and to include information in certain publications such as:
- A playbill, showing the student's role in a drama production
- Award lists and other recognition lists
- Graduation programs and videos
- Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of the team players
Opting out of allowing the disclosure of directory information may make it difficult for potential employers to verify enrollment or degree(s) earned directly from CSCU institutions. Instead, the student would need to provide a FERPA consent for every verification. CSCU institutions would not be able to notify hometown newspapers about awards and honors students have received (e.g., Dean’s list), and students may not be automatically enrolled in useful communication services or college and university services.
If you wish to opt out and mark your directory information as confidential:
Submit the Confidentiality/Non-Disclosure Request Form; this will mark your student record confidential for all directory purposes, except there can be no expectation that you can remain anonymous within a class. You may reverse this decision by emailing Registrar@SouthernCT.edu at any time.