Privacy and Release of Educational Records

Important Information About Your Privacy

A student's academic records are protected by law. For example, the person paying your tuition does not automatically have the right to review your academic records. You will need to give permission before the university will share non-directory information (for example, grades and advising notes) to anyone but you. You can do this by completing a Student Information Release form.

All student information releases can now be completed online by going to the Buckeye Link website and logging into your Buckeye Link account. Then click on the "Student Information Releases" link on the left side of the "Personal Information" section your home screen. If you need help, OCIO can show you how to do it.

You Should Know

Passwords protect your privacy and help assure advisors that requests for information sent via email are actually from the student. Protect your passwords; do not share them with others and do not save them to your browser. The university will never ask for your password. Any request for your password is phishing and you should forward it to report-phish@osu.edu. To further protect student privacy the university also requires DUO login for many online systems.

Email between you and a university faculty or staff person is officially part of your academic record. When needed, advisors may copy emails into OnCourse (the university system for shared notes). They will remove private information you may have shared in email. Email isn't secure, so please be careful about what you include.