More information on UW-Platteville students may soon be available for public access if Chancellor David Markee signs a resolution changing the university’s directory information policy. Student Senate unanimously passed a resolution in support of Registrar David Kieckhafer’s proposal that would make changes, to the campus’ directory information policy, including academic status, previously attended schools and physical information on student athletes. Directory information is what the U.S. Department of Education allows universities to release about their students for public access.

The following information on UW-P students is released as directory information:

• Name
• Address
• Telephone number
• Date of birth
• Major
• Semesters of attendance at the university
• Degrees earned
• University assigned e-mail

All of the above information except the date of birth and the semesters of attendance at the university are availible on UW-P’s online phonebook.

According to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, universities are allowed to release this and additional information. The Registrar’s Office wants to add all other allotted information to the directory information.

This includes:
• Honors and awards
• Anticipated degree dates
• College enrolled (BILSA, EMS, LAE)
• Participation in  sports and activities
• Physical information on student athletes
• Previously attended institutions
• Academic status (part-time/full time)
• Number of credits enrolled

The Registrar’s Office is not making these decisions without reason.

Kieckhafer said UW-P is the only four-year university in the UW System that does not include honors and awards or previous institutions attended in their directory information. He said most System schools include anticipated degree dates, academic status and participation in sports and activities. UW-Madison, UW-Whitewater and UW-River Falls include the number of credits a student is enrolled in.

The Registrar’s Office also wants to remove a student’s date of birth from directory information, in order to prevent identity theft.

Students concerned about their personal information being released do have some options. FERPA allows students to file a privacy hold to restrict the release of directory information. Students can choose to restrict all or no directory information, but the Registrar’s Office is looking at installing a two-tiered system that is used at UW-Milwaukee and UW-Stout. If implemented, students can opt out of printed and online directories. To do this visit the Registrar’s Office on the first floor of Brigham Hall or contact them at 342-1321 or registrar@uwplatt.edu.