Statement of Confidentiality
Student records are protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
The University of the South respects the confidential nature of disability-related information. The University is obligated to maintain the confidentiality of such documentation.
Access to disability-related information by University personnel is on a need-to-know basis and only for the purpose of assuring appropriate accommodations. Instructors are regularly apprised of the confidential nature of disability-related information. Letters of Accommodation prepared by SAS do not give specific diagnoses. A list of the approved academic accommodations for that student is sufficient.
On a legitimate, educational need-to-know basis, SAS may discuss the impact or impairments caused by the disability and the corresponding accommodations approved with appropriate individuals on campus. Circumstances may include housing arrangements, academic accommodations, instructional strategies, and resources or other circumstances specific to the individual. Whenever possible, SAS consults with the student prior to these conversations.
The University of the South and SAS are prohibited by law from releasing any disability-related records or personally identifying information to any entity outside of the University of the South, including documentation provided to SAS by the student unless the student provides written permission or there is a court order. Students may request or approve the release of such information to persons or agencies outside of the University by signing a Release of Information. Entities outside the University includes parents of students over the age of 18.
