The University of Akron values and respects individuals' right to privacy. Accordingly, The University of Akron has had a long-standing practice of not divulging personal and confidential information, except in rare and compelling circumstances. With society and the federal government placing an increased focus on individual privacy, The University of Akron has begun documenting its privacy and security practices. In several instances, this is part of the University's response to new federal legislation, although in other instances, the University has had a long-standing privacy policy.

The primary vehicle for privacy protections on The University of Akron campus is via the Family Educational Rights and Privileges Act (FERPA) and University Rule 3359-11-08 on Policies and Procedure for Student Records. Other records on campus may be protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and University Rule 3359-11-19 on Policies and Procedures for Release, Privacy, and Security of Selected Health Information, and still other records may be protected by the security portions of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) and two University Rules on Customer Information Security and on Information Technology Security & System Integrity. More information is available about each of these protections by clicking on the highlighted text above or by clicking on the additional links below.

In October of 2006, the University Board of Trustees approved a policy on privacy of personal information collected, maintained and used by the University. See Rule 3359-11-10.7 entitled Privacy Policy. Three key statements from that policy are:

1. While The University of Akron does not read private online communications, users should understand that their messages and postings may be a public record under Ohio law and subject to discovery in an investigation or an administrative or trial proceeding.

2. Except as otherwise required by law (for example whenever a valid subpoena is issued to the university), The University of Akron does not use or disclose sensitive protected data, without consent of the individual.

3. As a state of Ohio educational institution, The University of Akron is governed by the Ohio Public Records law (Ohio revised code sections 149.43). When requested, the university must release public records to requesting parties.

The Board of Trustees also approved Rule 3359-11-10.6, regarding social security number collection, maintenance and use. It is University policy to reduce, where necessary, the use of and reliance on social security numbers for identification purposes and to discontinue use of the social security number as a common identifier and a primary key to databases.

Only administrators designated by the University may collect, retain and use social security numbers. Administrators managing social security numbers of employees are appointed by the division of finance and administration; and administrators using social security numbers of students are appointed by the division of student affairs.



Links to general electronic privacy resources are available on the Electronic Privacy Information Page.