Confidentiality

The Office for Student Disability Resources is committed to ensuring that all information regarding a student is maintained confidentially as required or permitted by law.  Any information collected is used for the benefit of the student.  This information may include psycho-educational testing, grades, biographical history, disability information, and case notes.

According to federal legislation, no one has immediate access to files about a student’s  disability except The Office for Student Disability Resources.  A student’s exact disability is shared only where there is compelling reason.  A student must give written release of information when he/she wishes to share it with others.  Students are informed of their confidentiality rights during their first meeting with OSDR. The following are OSDR policies and procedures regarding  confidentiality and the release of information from a student’s file.  These guidelines incorporate relevant state and federal regulations, as well as University policies.

No one has immediate access to student files except staff from Disability Resources.

  • Any information regarding a disability shall be considered confidential and shall be shared with others within the institution only when there is a compelling reason.  University faculty and staff do not have a right or need to access diagnostic or other information regarding a student’s disability; they only need to know what accommodations are necessary or appropriate to meet the student’s disability-related needs.  To protect confidentiality by assuring limited access, all disability-related information must be filed within the Student Disability Resources Office.

A student may give written authorization for the release of information

  • when she or he wishes to share it with others.  Before giving such authorization, the student should understand the information being released, the purpose of the release, and to whom the information is being released.  Information will not be released without consent unless it is required by federal or state law.  ** 

A student's file may be released pursuant to a court order or subpoena.

OSDR will not release information

  • to a student, outside agency, parent, etc. that was obtained directly from a third party. The student, outside agency, or parent, will need to obtain the documentation, records or information directly.

OSDR may charge a reasonable fee

  • for costs incurred in connection with the copying of  information.