University Rights and Policies

Rights

Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act
The University of Rochester complies fully with the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. 1232g. Under FERPA, students have, with certain limited exceptions, the right to inspect and review their educational records and to request the amendment of their records to ensure that they are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's privacy or other rights. Requests to inspect or review records should be addressed to the Registrar, or to the appropriate administrator responsible for the record and will be honored within 45 days. Any student questioning the accuracy of any record may state his or her objection in writing to the University administrator responsible for the record who will notify the student of his or her decision within 45 days of receiving the objection. Final review of any decision will be by the appropriate Dean who, if requested by the student, will appoint a hearing committee of two faculty members and one staff member to investigate and make recommendations. Students concerned with the University's compliance with FERPA have the right to file complaints with the U.S. Department of Education's Family Compliance Office.
FERPA further requires, again with certain limited exceptions, that the student's consent must be obtained before disclosing any personally identifiable information in the student's education records. One such exception is disclosure to parents of dependent students. Another exception is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests, on a "need-to-know" basis, as determined by the administrator responsible for the file. A "school official" includes: anyone employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); any person or company acting on behalf of the University (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); any member of the Board of Trustees or other governance/advisory body; and any student serving on an official committee, such as disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. The University may forward education records to other agencies or institutions that have requested the records and in which the student seeks or intends to enroll or is already enrolled so long as the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer. Other exceptions are described in the FERPA statute at 20 U.S.C. 1232g and regulations at 34 C.F.R. Part 99.
The University considers the following to be directory information: name, campus address, e-mail address, home address, telephone number, date and place of birth, academic fields of study, current enrollment (full or part-time), dates of attendance, photographs, participation in recognized activities and sports, degrees and awards, weight and height of athletic team members, previous educational agencies or institutions attended, and other similar information. The University may publicize or respond to requests for such information at its discretion. However, the use of the records for commercial or political purposes is prohibited unless approved by the appropriate Dean.
Currently enrolled students may request that directory information be withheld from disclosure by making a request, in writing, to the appropriate registrar. The University assumes that failure on the part of the student to specifically request the withholding of any directory information indicates approval of disclosure.

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Students With Disabilities
The University of Rochester is committed to making its programs and services accessible to people with disabilities. To allow time for appropriate action to be taken, we urge students to notify the University early of their needs. Students with disabilities should call the Office of the Dean of Students, (585) 275-4085 (voice or TDD) or visit the Dean of Students Office in 510 Wilson Commons. Students at the Eastman School of Music should contact the Assistant Dean for Student Life at (585) 274-1106, or visit the Office of Student Life located in Eastman Commons.
It is also important that students needing support services and/or auxiliary aids contact their local Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to apply for assistance. Students with learning disabilities wishing accommodations need to provide appropriate documentation of their disability as determined by a licensed psychologist to the Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning in 107 Lattimore Hall (phone (585) 275-9049) prior to the beginning of classes. For further information, contact the Office of the Dean of Students, at (585) 275-4085 (voice or TDD). Eastman Students can visit the Writing and Study Skills Center located in the Main Building, Room 506, or call 274-1254.

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Observance of Religious Holidays
As provided in New York Education Law Section 224-a, students who choose not to register for classes, attend classes or take exams on certain days because of their religious beliefs will be given an equivalent opportunity to register for classes or to make up the work requirements or exams they miss, without penalties or additional fees.

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Policies

Academic Honesty
As members of an academic community, students and faculty assume certain responsibilities. One of these responsibilities is to engage in honest communication. Academic dishonesty is a serious violation of the trust upon which an academic community depends. The Academic Honesty Policy is both an articulation of the kinds of behaviors that violate this trust and the means by which that trust is safeguarded and restored. All undergraduate students, staff, and faculty must abide by the Academic Honesty Policy.

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Grade Release Policy
The policy of the College is to release grade information to parents when permitted by law, unless the student objects and/or disclosure would not be in the student's best interest in the judgment of the College.
Federal law (FERPA) generally prohibits a school's disclosure of grades without the student's consent. However, schools may, but are not required to, disclose academic information to parents of students who can be claimed as dependents under federal tax laws.
The College will generally honor written (not e-mail), signed requests by students to release their grades to parents or other persons specified. Signed, written (not e-mail) grade requests by parents of undergraduates will also generally be honored; however, the College may deny a request if the student objects or if the Dean decides that disclosure is not in the student's best interest, or if the student cannot be claimed as a dependent.

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Policy on Classroom Assignment for Disabled Students
It is the policy of The University of Rochester to provide accessible classroom space for students and instructors with disabilities. This policy is administered by the Office of the Registrar, which maintains or has access to information about the accessibility of all River Campus classroom space to persons with disabilities.
The Dean of Students will give the Registrar the names of all known incoming disabled students at the beginning of each academic year or semester. Disabled students may also identify themselves to the Registrar at any time. During class registration, the Registrar will monitor the disabled students' class schedules to determine whether anticipated class locations are accessible to the students. If a disabled student registers for a class in an inaccessible room, the Registrar will ensure that modifications are made to allow access to the class, which may involve making temporar or permanent modifications to create access to the assigned room or moving the class to an accessible location.
If an assigned room has unique features or houses special equipment necessary to the program, the University will either modify the room or relocate the class and move the equipment (or provide equivalent equipment in the new room).
If the Registrar learns that the instructor for a class is disabled and needs accommodation, the room will be modified or the class will be relocated to a room accessible to that person.
If a hearing-impaired student requires an Assistive Listening Device (ALD) as an accommodation in the classroom, one will be provided. A student may request such a device from a faculty member, the Registrar, one ofthe University's Disability Resource Coordinators, or by contacting Academic Technology Services directly at 5-1438, on 24 hours' notice.

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Nondiscrimination Policy Statement
The University of Rochester values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation or any other status protected by law. Further, the University complies with all applicable non-discrimination laws in the administration of its policies, admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs and activities.

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Immunization Requirement For All Entering Part-Time And Full-Time Matriculated Students
All matriculated students born after January 1, 1957* attending a college or university in New York State must provide the following information with verification from the student's physician or an appropriate school official. New York State Public Law #2165 mandates that students not in compliance with the requirements are to be withdrawn from school and required to leave campus. The immunization requirements should be completed before you arrive on campus.
Measles/Rubella Vaccination:
Required proof of two vaccinations after January 1, 1968, and on or after first birthday. The full date (day, month and year) and signature of a physician or school official must be provided for each vaccination. In many cases, students have only received one measles vaccination and will need to receive the second one. (Note: There must be at least 30 days between shot #1 and shot #2.) If the student had the illness, the date of illness and signature of the diagnosing physician are required. Students may also prove immunity by providing a copy of a laboratory report which demonstrates a protective (positive) antibody titer.
Mumps Vaccination:
Required proof of vaccination after January 1, 1969, and on or after first birthday. If the student had the illness, the date of illness and signature of the diagnosing physician are required. Students may also prove immunity by providing a copy of a laboratory report which demonstrates a protective (positive) antibody titer.
Rubella Vaccination:
Required proof of vaccination after January 1, 1969, and on or after first birthday. If no vaccination, students may prove immunity by providing a copy of a laboratory report which demonstrates a protective (positive) antibody titer.
* Students born before January 1, 1957, must complete the requirements for measles, mumps and rubella. This may be done by self-report; that is, they should have the same shots but do not need a physician or school verification.
We ask that you complete these requirements before you arrive on campus. If you are unable to do so, you can complete the requirements at the University Health Service (UHS) when you come to the University. There will be a charge for the office visit and for any vaccines or tests administered if you have this done at UHS. There will be a late fee if you do not complete the required tests and immunizations prior to the first day of classes.

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Email Policy
Official communications from the College may be sent electronically using the student's University-assigned email address. The College expects that students will read such official College communications in a timely fashion. Students who choose to forward email from their University account to another email address remain responsible for receiving and reading official College communications. For more information, please contact (585) 275-8131.

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