The Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR) is committed to ensuring that all information regarding a student is maintained as confidential as required or permitted by law. Any information collected is used for the benefit of the student, and will only be shared on a limited need to know basis. This information may include test data, grades, biographical history, disability information, performance reviews, and case notes.

  1. No one has immediate access to student files except the Office of Accessibility Resources staff. If a student is requesting academic accommodations, the student must sign a release of information in order for Office of Accessibility Resources to notify faculty of a student’s academic accommodation.
  2. Federal and state laws may permit or require release of information in the following circumstances, if a student:
    • states he or she intends to harm him/herself or another person(s);
    • reports or describes any physical abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse of children within the last three years (this includes the occurrence of abuse or neglect to the student if he or she was under age eighteen at the time of abuse);
    • reports or describes sexual exploitation by counseling or healthcare professionals.
  3. A student’s file may be released pursuant to a court order or subpoena.
  4. A student may give written authorization for the release of information when she or he wishes to share it with others. Before giving such authorization, the student should understand what information is being released, the purpose of the release, and to whom the information is being released. In general, information will not be released except in the circumstances set forth above.
  5. A student has the right to review his or her own disability file.