FERPA requires institutions to define what it considers to be directory information and permits release of that information to third parties without consent from the student. Ohio University defines directory information as the following:
- Name, addresses, telephone number, email address
- Major academic program(s), dates of enrollment and current enrollment status, degrees and awards, standing and degree level, primary advisor, expected graduation date, current college and campus,
- Participation in officially recognized activities and sports with weight and height of athletic team members,
- Previous institution(s) attended, a.k.a. name(s), residency and admission status, record hold(s), and deceased status.
Note: Ohio University will never release to third parties the following information without the student's written consent: Social Security or student personal identification (PID) numbers, race, gender, grades, schedule, grade point average, citizenship, or religious preference.
Students who do not want their directory/public information released to third parties or students who do not want to be identified in Ohio University online search directories must update their privacy settings in MyOHIO Student Center. In the Personal Information section select Privacy Settings in the drop-down box and then click the right arrows. Please read the five statements and then click Edit FERPA/Directory Restrictions, click Restrict All Fields, and then click Save to elect confidentiality. This restriction will remain in place until you remove it.
Note: Students should be aware that choosing confidentiality may result in undesirable repercussions such as denied enrollment and degree verification to persons, agencies, and institutions requesting this information for employment, insurance discounts, school transfer, or related purposes. Prior to graduation you must remove if the student wants to be listed in the graduation commencement program.
