Student Privacy Rights

Annual Notification

Wilmington University is required to notify students annually of their rights regarding privacy. A message is inserted in each catalog, directing students to this web site.

Release of Student Information

In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), students have the following rights:

Right to inspect and review student's record:

Students should submit a written request to the Registrar, indicating which records they wish to inspect. The University will make such records available within 45 days of the receipt of the request. Students do not have the right to inspect confidential letters and recommendations if the student has waived the right to inspect.

Right to seek amendments to records:

Students should submit a written request to the Registrar, indicating which records they wish to have amended and the reasons. The University will notify the student in writing of the decision regarding amendment of the record. Following are the procedures for the correction of records:

  1. A student must ask the Vice President of Academic Affairs by submitting the Request to Amend a Education Record form kept on file in the Office of the Registrar. In doing so, the student should identify the part of the record she/he wants changed and specify why she/he believes it is inaccurate, misleading or in violation of her or his privacy or other rights.
  2. Wilmington University may comply with the request or it may decide not to comply. If it decides not to comply, Wilmington University will notify the student of the decision and advise her/him of her/his right to a hearing to challenge the information believed to be inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student's rights by submitting a Request for Hearing form to the Office of the Registrar.
  3. Upon request, Wilmington University will arrange for a hearing, and notify the student, reasonably in advance, of the date, place, and time of the hearing.
  4. The hearing will be conducted by a hearing officer who is a disinterested party; however, the hearing officer may be an official of the University. The student shall be afforded a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the issues raised in the original request to amend her/his education records. She or he may be assisted by one or more individuals, including an attorney.
  5. Wilmington University will prepare a written decision based solely on the evidence presented at the hearing. The decision will include a summary of the evidence presented and the reasons for the decision.
  6. If Wilmington University decides that the challenged information is not inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student's right of privacy, it will notify the student that she/he has a right to place in the record a statement commenting on the challenged information and/or a statement setting forth reasons for disagreeing with the decision.
  7. The statement will be maintained as part of the student's education records as long as the contested portion is maintained. If Wilmington University discloses the contested portion of the records, it must also disclose the statement.
  8. If Wilmington University decides that the information is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student's right of privacy, it will amend the record and notify the student, in writing, that the record has been amended.

Right to consent to disclosure:

The University may disclose the following directory information unless the student or parent of a dependent student makes a written request to withhold information: name, address (only for official requests for group lists for legitimate agencies such as the US Air Force), major field of study, dates of attendance, grade level, enrollment status, GPA, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, degrees, honors, awards, most recent educational agency attended. Written request for nondisclosure should be submitted to the Office of the Registrar.

Exceptions to student rights regarding disclosure:

The University is authorized to disclose student information without consent in the following circumstances:

  • Information designated as “directory information”
  • Disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests
  • Disclosure to an alleged victim of a crime of violence
  • Disclosure to officials of another institution where student seeks to enroll
  • Request from Comptroller General of US, Secretary, or state/local educational authorities
  • Disclosure in connection with financial aid for which student has applied
  • Disclosure to accrediting agencies
  • Disclosure to parents of dependent students
  • To comply with judicial order or subpoena (A reasonable attempt to notify must be made).
  • Disclosure in connection with a health or safety emergency

Right to file a complaint:

Students have a right to file a complaint concerning alleged failure of Wilmington University to comply with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Complaints should be mailed to:

Family Policy Compliance Office
US Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202

Request to disclose non-directory information

Students must give consent to Wilmington University to disclose their education records (non-directory) to other person(s). They must Complete a Request to disclose non-directory information form in the Office of the Registrar to allow us to release such information. On that form they need to clearly indicate the appropriate names for Wilmington University to disclose education information to. The student can revoke this request at any time by filling out the form again and checking the box that prohibits the release of educational information.

Download the Disclosure Form Right-Click and Save As

Request to Review Education Records (from a third party)

Third parties requesting to review education records (non-directory) of a specific student must Complete a Request to Review Education Records (from a third party) form housed in the Office of the Registrar. This form should identify the purpose of review and the name of requester and the affiliation associated with this requester. Once this form is appropriately filled out the information will be sent to the appropriate party.

Download Request to Review Education Records(from a third party) Form Right-Click and Save As

**Please note: if companies already have a form with the student's signature allowing that company to review education records then this form is not needed.