Academic privacy, or lack of, worries UA students

Student academic records are protected under the Federal Education Rights to Privacy Act of 1974, or FERPA. Federally supported universities, like the University of Arizona, must keep academic records confidential or they can lose government funding. A student or family must give permission for records to be released.

Someone within the university released Simon's records to a media source without permission.

"Security is a worry," said Avishkar Madar, a mechanical engineering junior. "You have rights and they are supposed to be protected. You start to wonder who has access to grades; faculty, staff or who?"

Other students shared Madar's concerns.

Veronica Vensor, a biology junior said she wasn't aware that records were easily accessed.

"It's disturbing to know your grades are out there, and for everyone to know," she said.

One student said he was doubtful any security measures were taken at all.

"I'm pretty sure that (records) are not secure," said Monty Patel, a computer engineering junior. "I would be concerned that anybody who works there could get the records."

Administrators have claimed that they don't have to release information about specific campus crimes as reported to the Dean of Students under FERPA.

Students said this didn't constitute a case where information should be confidential.

"I would definitely want to know about crimes on campus, even if they aren't reported to police," said Nicole Strickland, a business freshman.

"I would be more careful on campus if I thought I should be."

Patel agreed.

"They don't have to release names, but students should know more about crime on campus," he said.