215 Release of Information about Students ( Article V. Section 1, Policies and Procedures )

Students of the University of West Georgia have the right to assurance that their academic records, compiled and maintained by the University, will be recorded accurately and maintained in confidence  in accordance with the provisions of the privacy of information act (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974).

Transcripts of educational records shall contain only information about academic status, except that disciplinary action shall be recorded in cases where it affects the student's eligibility to re-register.

Disciplinary and counseling files shall be maintained separately from academic records and shall not be available to unauthorized persons on campus nor to any person off campus without the written consent of the student involved, except under legal compulsion or in cases where the health or welfare of persons or the safety of property are involved or when parents of dependent students execute a notarized affidavit obtained from the Registrar.

No record shall be kept which reflects the political activities or beliefs of students.  Provision shall be made for periodic routine destruction of noncurrent disciplinary records when appropriate administrative authorization is granted by the university.

The University shall make every endeavor to keep the student's record confidential and out of the hands of those who would use it for other than legitimate purposes.  All members of the faculty, administration, and clerical staff must respect the confidential nature of the student's record.  At the same time, the University shall be flexible enough in its policies not to hinder the student, the institution, or the community in their legitimate pursuits.