Release of Student Information

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA or the Act) of 1974 restricts access to and disclosure of information from students' educational records without the written consent of the student, except in certain instances permitted under the Act. "Directory Information" (as defined by FERPA) may be disclosed without prior written consent unless a student notifies the Office of the Registrar to restrict release of that information.

In accordance with provisions of the Act, Davidson provides Directory Information in various college publications including the Davidson College Directory, the Davidson College Official Record (commonly known as the catalogue), and various publicity and information publications of the Athletic Department. Directory Information is defined as:

1. student name;
2.  home address;
3. Davidson post office address;
4. email address;
5. local address and telephone number;
6. photograph;
7. eating house affiliation;
8. date and place of birth;
9. class;
10. major field of study;
11. dates of attendance;
12. degrees and awards received;
13. the most recent educational institution attended by the student;
14. participation in officially-recognized activities and sports; and 
15. weight and height of members of athletic teams.

Students may withhold the release of Directory Information by notifying the Registrar in writing no later than seven days after the beginning of classes each semester. Following receipt of such notification the college will not give the information to outside sources nor print it in published directories unless they are already in the final stages of preparation. The information remains available for internal use by employees and agents of Davidson College. A request for non-disclosure of Directory Information will be honored for only one academic year or portion thereof. Therefore, authorization to withhold Directory Information must be filed annually.

Note: Student schedules and parents names, addresses, and telephone numbers as well as any other information not listed above are not considered Directory Information and should not be released to outside sources.

If you have questions about this policy or its implementation, please contact the Registrar.