Americans believe that all people have a fundamental right to privacy. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law designed to protect the privacy of each individual student. As a student in the United States you are protected by FERPA.

This law gives you the right to:

• Inspect and review your academic records
• Request your record be amended if you find inaccurate or misleading information
• Except in situations of national security or emergencies involving health and safety, require that the university obtain your written consent prior to disclosing personally identifiable information about you
• File a complaint with the United States Department of Education if you feel the university is not following FERPA guidelines.

Under the law, each institution determines within guidelines what is known as "directory information." This information can be released at the discretion of the university, unless you complete a form stating you do not want it made available. Directory information at NYU consists of name, dates of attendance, class, previous institutions attended, major field of study, degrees, and awards. It also includes any participation in officially recognized sports and activities, physical factors, and date and place of birth. It does not include address and telephone number.

In addition to your academic records, your records at the OISS, University Health Center, and Counseling and Behavioral Health Services are confidential. They are about you, are not discussed in situations outside of the offices that provide the specialized services, and will not be given to your parents or other family members. That means that, except in a life-threatening situation or one involving national security, staff may not reveal to other people the information in those files even if those people are your parents, professors or friends. The exception to this is the Department of Homeland Security, with whom the university is required by law to share information regarding your academic status and your address. Information sought by DHS regarding the immigration status of nonimmigrant students is not covered by FERPA.