What is directory information at the U of MN?

Directory/public information is information contained in an education record of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed to the public. Public/directory information at the University of Minnesota is as follows:  name, address, phone number, University assigned email address, dates of enrollment, enrollment status (full/part-time, not enrolled), college(s), major(s), adviser(s), class (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior), academic awards and honors, and degree(s) received.

Since the University has defined the above mentioned information as directory information, students have the right to suppress, or limit, its release. Before releasing any directory information about a student you must check PeopleSoft to ensure that the student has not chosen to suppress his or her information; this is indicated by a blue window shade icon on the student record.

All other information in the student education record that is not directory information is private and cannot be released to a third party, including parents, without the student’s written permission or as otherwise provided in the Regents Policy on Student Records.

If you are unsure about releasing information, get in touch with your campus contact listed at the beginning of this tutorial.