The office for Student Disability Resources (SDR) is committed to ensuring that all information regarding a student is maintained as confidential as required or permitted by law. Any information collected is used for the benefit of the student. This information may include test data, grades, biographical history, disability information, performance reviews, and case notes.

The following is the Confidentiality Policy of SDR:

  1. No one has immediate access to student files at SDR except staff from Student Disability Resources. Any information regarding a disability gained from medical examinations or appropriate post-admissions inquiry shall be considered confidential and shall be shared with others within the institution and treated as medical information is treated.

    For example, University faculty and staff do not have a right or a need to access diagnostic or other information regarding a student's disability. They only need to know that accommodations are necessary or appropriate to meet the student's disability-related needs. If a student has requested an accommodation, the student will be informed as to what information is being provided to the faculty or staff regarding the request. To protect confidentiality by assuring limited access, all disability-related information must be filed with SDR.
  2. A student's file may be released pursuant to a court order or subpoena.
  3. A student may give written authorization for the release of information when he/she 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 federal or state law requires it.
  4. SDR will retain a copy of all information provided for the specified time allowed by law. If a student wishes to have a record expunged, he/she must make a written request to the Director of SDR, who will decide whether it is necessary for the office to retain the record.
  5. Third-party documentation cannot be released.