Student Directory Information
The University may, or under the Freedom of Information Act, may be required to, disclose, without consent, directory information. Central Connecticut State University identifies directory information in its University Catalog to include: student’s name, permanent mailing address, Central student e-mail address, telephone number, dates of attendance, class standing, photographs, academic major, minor and concentration, degree candidacy, degree(s) earned, graduation date and any awards or honors received. Additional information that is also considered directory information includes participation in officially recognized activities and sports, and the weight and height of members of an athletic team.
Students have the right to request that the University not disclose directory information to individuals or organizations outside the University (although we are required to provide information to organizations which have provided the student any type of financial aid, including loans). A student who wishes to have his/her directory information restricted should contact the Office of the Registrar.
Student Photos (Permission for Photos of Students)
Several offices of the University, principally those of Institutional Advancement, provide information to news organizations about Central's students' accomplishments and activities while they are at the University and at the time of graduation. Additionally, Central supplies photographs and other visual images of students and corollary text in response to requests from news organizations. As a regular practice, photographs of students, faculty, staff, and visitors to campus are used in publications produced by the University for recruitment and general information. Any student who does not wish to appear in any photos used for these purposes must notify the Office of Marketing & Communications (832-1790) immediately upon matriculation. It is, however, not possible to practice these restraints with respect to the use of photography (where groups of students appear) of scenes, events, or classes in session.
Student Records and Directory Information Policy
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights are:
1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access. Students should submit to the registrar, dean, or head of the academic department [or appropriate official] written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The University official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the University official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the student believes is inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask the University to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the University official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is defined as a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit and health staff ); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
4. Upon request, the University discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
5. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20202-4605