Confidentiality Statement
Educational records are kept by HU to facilitate the educational development of students. Faculty and staff members may also keep informal records relating to their administrative, instructional, or research responsibilities.
The Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 identifies the rights of students and their families with respect to student educational records kept by institutions. As part of the requirements of FERPA, HU ensures the confidentiality of student records.
FERPA - Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
Harrisburg University will collect a considerable amount of information about you during the time you're attending. Almost all of this information will be contained in records protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal statute signed into law in 1974. Under the law, you have the right to review your records and to challenge anything in them that you perceive to be inaccurate or misleading. FERPA regulations also stipulate that HU cannot release information from your records to anyone but you without your written consent, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. School officials with a legitimate educational interest may review your records without your consent if necessary to fulfill their professional responsibilities.
HU Directory Information
Directory information refers to the information contained in a student's educational record that can be disclosed publicly. Directory information is treated as confidential and may be disclosed by the University without student consent unless the student requests nondisclosure. Students may request a privacy hold to prevent the release of directory information to third parties, but only while they are enrolled in the University. A privacy hold expires only when the student requests its removal in writing. Once a privacy hold has been placed, no directory information will be released to third parties. Directory information includes:
- student's name and address
- email address
- telephone number(s)
- class year and program of study
- enrollment status and dates of attendance
- degree(s) and/or awards received
- photograph
- previous educational institution attended
- participation in officially recognized University activities
- eSports statistics
The primary purpose of directory information is to allow HU to include this type of information in certain publications and/or release it to third parties. Some examples include:
- Honors list, including media releases
- Graduation program
- Enrollment verification to insurance companies, potential employers, and other agencies
Please see the University Policies and Disclosures in the catalog for additional details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I give my parents/spouse access to my educational records?
In order for us to release any information about your educational records to someone other than you, we will need the FERPA form on file.
How do I put a privacy hold on my account so that HU does not release my directory information to third parties?
You can place a privacy hold on your directory information by completing the FERPA - Directory Information form.
If my parent/guardian calls the University and I give them my student ID number, can you release my information to them even though I haven't filled out the FERPA release forms?
No - even if your parent/guardian knows your ID number, we will not release information to them without the proper FERPA permissions in place.