MEMORANDUM TO:        Appalachian State University employees
                      (faculty, staff, and students) with
                      access to the Student Information 
                      System (SIS)

FROM:                 Don R. Rankins, University Registrar

SUBJECT:              University policy regarding the release
                      of student information


All student information at Appalachian State University is protected by
federal statute:  The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974
(known also as the "Buckley Amendment").  With the exception of
so-called "Directory Information", indicated below, student data can be
released ONLY with the explicit written permission of the student. A 
"student" is defined as an applicant for admission, or an individual who 
either is or was enrolled at the University.

"Directory Information" consists of the following data items: 
student name; local telephone listing; University Post office box
number; E-Mail address; academic classification; enrollment status
during a particular academic term; field(s) of study; dates of attendance;
degrees, honors and awards received; participation in officially
recognized activities and sports; weight, height, athletic statistics
and photographic representations of members of athletic teams.  

Not included in "Directory Information" are those data items which allow
someone to physically locate the student--i.e., the student's permanent or
or local address, class schedule. Inquiries regarding how to physically 
locate a student should be directed to the University Police.

Note that while it is legally permissible for any University employee to
release "Directory Information", it is requested that all inquiries for
student data be directed to the Registrar's Office. Students have the 
legal right to restrict access to information including "Directory
Information", and some choose to do so.

Employees that will be accessing the Plus version of the Student Information
System (SIS) should print a copy, sign and date this statement indicating
that they understand the policy, and return the signed copy to the 
Registrar's Office. 





  ____________________________________    ____________________________________
         Print Name of Employee                    Signature of Employee


  ____________________________________        ______________________________
         Print Department Name                           Date


                                           ___________________________________
                                                       Email Address