Ram's Eye View

West Chester University

West Chester University
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-1000





Disclosure of Student Records

Students are accorded the right to inspect, in the presence of a staff member, official University records, files, and data primarily and directly related to themselves. This right includes an explanation of any information contained in these records. Students are entitled to exercise this right within a reasonable time after they personally appear in the appropriate University office to initiate such a request in writing. If students cannot appear personally, they must submit a notarized request to the appropriate office, authorizing a designated individual to receive a copy of the record.

Where any such records, files, or data contain information about a third person, the student is not entitled access to such information. Each record-keeping unit of the University will establish procedures for accommodating requests for access to student records. Students have the right to copy file material to which they have access, provided the records do not have a financial hold.

The law allows schools to disclose records, without consent, to the following parties:

  • School employees who have a need to know;
  • Other schools to which a student is transferring;
  • Parents when a student over 18 is still dependent;
  • Certain government officials in order to carry out lawful functions;
  • Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;
  • Organizations doing certain studies for the school;
  • Accrediting organizations;
  • Individuals who have obtained court orders or subpoenas;
  • Persons who need to know in cases of health and safety emergencies;
  • State and local authorities to whom disclosure is required by state laws adopted before November 19, 1974.