Academic Catalog > Student Conduct, Rights, and Responsibilities > Student Records > Definition of Directory Information

Definition of Directory Information

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”), a Federal law, requires that TCSG and its technical colleges, with certain exceptions, obtain a student’s written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from that student’s education records.

However, Georgia Piedmont Technical College may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent unless the student has advised GPTC to the contrary. Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without the student’s prior written consent.

If a student does not want GPTC to disclose directory information from his or her student education records without prior written consent, the student must notify GPTC in writing by the first day of the semester at the Office of the Registrar. A student need only file this notification once during his or her enrollment. However, if there is a break in enrollment or transfer to another TCSG technical college, a new notification must be filed.

Even if a student elects to prohibit the release of directory information, GPTC may still implement policies requiring the student to wear or present a student ID badge.

Directory information is defined as follows:

1. "public directory information" as follows:

a. Full name of student

b. City of residence

c. County of residence

d. Major and field(s) of study

e. Enrollment Status (full time, part-time, etc.)

f. Degrees and awards and date received

g. Dates of attendance

h. Participation in official sports and activities

i. Height and weight of athletic team members

2. “non-public directory information” as follows:

a. Address

b. Email address

c. Telephone Number

Non-public directory information is not available to the public, but is available to any College official. If the student has indicated to restrict their data, then College officials can only access the information when it is needed for educational purposes.

Additionally, certain state and federal laws require the release of certain student information without prior notification to the student. Questions concerning the release of student information should be addressed to the TCSG Office of Legal Services.