In response to concerns regarding the privacy of student information, UNC Charlotte has revised University Policy 402, Student Education Records (FERPA), by significantly altering the definition of “directory information.” The following information will no longer be considered directory information under the revised policy: local and permanent addresses, telephone numbers, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended. Student email addresses, as well as photographs, videos, or other media containing a student’s image or likeness, have been designated under the revised policy as “limited use directory information.” Use and disclosure of limited use directory information will be restricted to: (1) publication in official University publications or on social media sites or websites hosted or maintained by, on behalf of, or for the benefit of the University, including the University’s online directory and internal email system; (2) University officials who have access, consistent with Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), to such information and only in conjunction with a legitimate educational interest; and (3) external parties contractually affiliated with the University, provided such affiliation requires the sharing of limited use directory information. In accordance with FERPA regulations, students retain the ability to “opt out” of the directory information and limited use directory information exceptions.
In addition to a handful of minor revisions relating to changes to how the university conducts business, Section III of the Policy was also revised to clarify under what circumstances students may request copies of their records.