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Guidelines about the treatment of such information have been adopted by the SSD Office. These guidelines incorporate relevant state and federal regulations, and guidelines established by relevant professional associations.

No one has immediate access to student files at SSD except staff from SSD. Any information regarding disability gained from medical examinations or appropriate post-admissions/hiring inquiry shall be considered CONFIDENTIAL and is only shared with authorities within the institution on a need-to-know basis only. Disability-related information is to be treated as medical information.

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 what 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 SSD.

Information in files will not be released except in accordance with federal and state laws, which require release in the following circumstances if a student:

	states they intend to harm themselves or another person(s);
	reports or describes any physical abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse of children or vulnerable adults within the last three years (this includes the occurrence of abuse or neglect to the student if he or she was under age eighteen at the time of the abuse);
	reports the use of an illegal drug for nonmedical purpose during pregnancy; or
	reports or describes sexual exploitation by counseling or healthcare professionals.

Please read the description of the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act in the University catalog.

Disclosure of student records is also permitted when:

	A student authorizes the release.
	It is part of accreditation.
	A student's file may be released pursuant to a court order or subpoena.
	In connection with Financial Aid support.
	A student is transferring to another institution.

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.

SSD will retain a copy of all information provided. If a student wishes to have a record expunged, he or she must make a written request to the director who will decide whether it is necessary for the office to retain the record.