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2024 FERPA Directory Information Update from USG

2024 FERPA Directory Information Update from USG

Update to Student Directory Information

Under the revised USG interpretation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) policy, announced December 31, 2024, certain types of student directory information on public websites must be removed and is considered sensitive. (View the UGA Registrar’s memo)

As per the memo, the following student directory information may no longer be disclosed (via websites or other materials):

  • Phone number(s)

  • Address(es)

  • UGA photograph (individual or named in a group)

  • Faculty mentor as part of thesis/dissertation title

  • Employment title and contact information

Student employees, including graduate assistants, working in positions where being a student is a requirement of the position (e.g.: a Graduate Teaching Assistant or a Resident Assistant in Housing), then that student employee’s job title and contact information are protected by FERPA. (Frequently Asked Questions)

How do units become compliant?

Content maintainers for websites in each Franklin College unit are responsible for ensuring that the content is removed and meets compliance. Only if the individual has signed a release form, may the information continue to be displayed. Franklin OIT has created an approved electronic form to be used to collect and manage releases from students. Please contact the Franklin OIT to request more information.

What tools or methods are available to help?

  • Franklin OIT can perform bulk un-publishing of (grad)student directory listings across websites we provide hosting for.

    • This can be done and address the vast majority of cases with this information. This will not address articles or other more specific pages and listings which may contain the information.

    • We will be actively auditing for this content and monitoring reports. If information is identified, we will reach out to unit content maintainers to address.

    • As this project is always evolving, Franklin OIT will be leveraging different tools and methods to proactively identify these situations. However, it is still the responsibility of the unit and content maintainers to ensure they have addressed the requirements and are compliant.

  • Franklin OIT has created an approved electronic means for individuals to submit their waiver instead of having to use a PDF or paper form. The service is open to all Franklin College units. Interested parties should reach out to the Franklin OIT Helpdesk and request access or more information about the Unified Consent and Release Form.

What if Franklin OIT doesn’t host my site?

As per the policy and Federal law, you are still responsible for the content that is on your website, or other publicly-facing media, and you must follow the same process of having permission before it is permissible to show that information.

How do I obtain additional assistance?

Additional guidance on this change