Discussion

Harvard students can exercise their FERPA right to restrict publication of their directory information by requesting that the university block all display or other public disclosure of their directory information. This is done by filling out a request form and presenting a signed copy of the form to the registrar in the school(s) in which they are registered. Some registrars have implemented processes that do not require that a student be physically present to request a FERPA block. Contact your registrar for more information.

FERPA block requests take effect when they are submitted but do not effect already published printed directories (i.e, such directories will not be recalled and replaced.) FERPA blocks stay in effect until the student requests their removal. Students who cross register or transfer need to request FERPA blocks with the registrar in each of the school(s) in which they are registered.

Students should understand that a FERPA block will generally mean that Harvard will not acknowledge that a student ever attended the university and will mean that the student will not appear on any list of university graduates published during commencement or later. A block may also prevent the student from being able to interact with university registrars or other services via telephone because the inability for university personnel to be sure who they are talking to. (See FERPA Block Process and Impacts for more information.)

Flags indicating that a student or former student has requested a FERPA block and has not subsequently requested that block be removed are stored in the core ID management database. (See Section 2.3 Making Information Available through Directories for more information.)

There are non-FERPA ways for students to block publication of specific data elements, for example their phone number, email address or postal address, that do not block the university from acknowledging the student's existence. Students should see their registrar or computer services help desk for more information on these alternatives.

Note that FERPA blocks do not impact the sharing of information, including directory information, from a student's record that is permitted under FERPA (See Section 3.2 FERPA Directory Information.) including cases where health and safety may be affected.

Best Practice

When working with student information, review and adhere to any student request for complete privacy.