Registrar's Notes

August 14, 2007

Preparing for fall

• Begin reviewing all instructor assignments for fall classes to ensure that all sections have an instructor assigned as instructor of record and that the correct instructor is assigned.
• Review all sections on hold for fall and open or cancel as appropriate.
• Review all capacities and ensure that they are appropriate, remembering that students can enroll in classes through September 10th.
• Notify instructors that midterm grading will be open from Oct. 15-26. 

FERPA question of the week

In writing a letter of recommendation, it is permissible for a faculty member to include a student’s grades and GPA without obtaining the student’s written permission since the student requested that faculty member to write the recommendation and provided a copy of her resume with the requested information to the faculty member. (True or False?  See answer below)

Upcoming dates

Aug. 21  – Summer II grades due at noon
Aug. 27-31 – Fall Welcome Week
Sept. 3 – Labor Day, University closed
Sept. 4 – Fall classes begin at 8:00 am
Sept. 10 – Last day of drop/adds
Sept. 11 – Last day departments have access to change student schedules
Sept. 11 – Census Day
Sept. 14 – Last day for students to apply for Dec. 2007 graduation

FERPA answer

False. Statements made by a person making a recommendation that are made from that person’s personal observation or knowledge do not require a written release from the student who is the subject of the recommendation. However, if personally identifiable information (such as gpa or individual grades) are included in a letter of recommendation, the writer is required to obtain a signed release from the student which specifies that the records may be disclosed, states the purpose of the disclosure and identifies the party or parties to whom the disclosure can be made.