College Confidential: Who Can Say What to Whom, When ... and Why

Gone are the days when your teachers could threaten to call home to report on your tardiness or dog-eaten homework... not that you would do such things now that you're a mature, responsible college student! But all the same, it's good to know about the laws that keep things nice and confidential.

• Grades. You may be surprised to learn that your college won't give them to anyone in your family but you (unless your parents or guardians jump through some pretty complicated hoops involving tax documents).

• Healthcare. You can see a counselor or get a blood test on campus if you need to, and it's just between you and the doctor.

• Directory information. This would be your mailing address, e-mail address, and telephone number.

• Need-to-know academic stuff. Within the university, faculty and staff have access to student information that they need to do their jobs. For example, your professor can probably see your Social Security number, and your advisor can see every grade you earn!

• Your status. Basically, whether you are enrolled and matriculating. Your college can say when you started college, and after you graduate, they can tell callers the date and degree.

• Nonacademic conduct. If you are found responsible for violating drug or alcohol policies, your college can (and probably will) send a letter home.

• Danger. If you or someone else seems to be in immediate danger, all confidentiality bets are off. This means that if you disclose to a counselor that you are thinking of hurting yourself or someone else, that counselor is not bound by confidentiality. Faculty and staff respect your privacy, but they will share your private information if it's necessary to protect you or someone else/necessary for safety reasons/necessary in the case of an emergency.

• Want to keep your information even more private? Go to the Registrar's Office, or log on to your school's Web site directory and opt to have your directory information blocked.