Rights & Privacy
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ensures confidentiality of your education records and restricts disclosure to or access by third parties, except as authorized by law. You have the right to inspect your education records, with certain exceptions. If you wish to inspect your records, you need to submit a formal request to the University Access Officer in the Registrar’s office.
If you believe your education records are inaccurate or misleading, you may request an amendment by completing the appropriate form available from the Registrar’s office. If it is determined that the record will not be amended, you will be notified of your right to, and procedures for requesting, a hearing.
The University has designated certain types of personally identifiable information as Directory Information. This includes your name, local address and telephone number, email address, college of registration, degree program and major and minor, dates of attendance, full- and part-time status, degrees, honors, and awards received, listing in the Commencement program, and listing in the yearbook. Your local address and telephone number are accessible on an electronic directory. The electronic directory is intended for the use of the University community. If you wish to restrict release of this information at any time, you may do so on the MyBU Student Portal or by completing a Personal Data Update Form available in the Registrar’s office. The Student Activities Office (Associate Director, GSU, 775 Commonwealth Avenue) and the Athletics Department (Director, 285 Babcock Street) may release information on students who participate in officially recognized activities and sports. If students wish to restrict release and/or publication of this information, they should contact the Student Activities Office and the Athletics Department directly.
The University, in compliance with the law, will disclose personally identifiable information without your prior consent under certain circumstances, including, but not limited to, the following:
- To University officials, staff, and others engaged in activities on behalf of the University;
- In compliance with a lawful subpoena;
- To officials of another institution where you are enrolled or seek to enroll, or where you received services in connection with placement or participation in internships, practica, affiliations, and other programs related to your courses or program at the University;
- To authorized representatives of institutions from which you have received financial aid or applied to for financial aid.
Complete information on FERPA disclosures can be found on the Registrar’s website.
You have the right to file a complaint with the US Department of Education Family Policy Compliance Office, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C., 20202, if you believe that Boston University failed to comply with the Act’s requirements.
Interim Equal Opportunity and Title IX Policy
Boston University is committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment that is free of harassment and discrimination against any individual on the basis of race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex (including that based on sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and marital or parental status), age (40 or older), national origin (including shared ancestry and ethnic characteristics and citizenship/residency in a country with a dominant religion or distinct religious identity), ethnicity, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or because of military service or veteran status. Community members have the right to learn, work and thrive in a safe, and supportive environment free from harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.
BU’s Interim Equal Opportunity and Title IX Policy addresses discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, including all forms of sexual misconduct.
Inquiries regarding this policy or its application should be addressed to the Executive Director of Equal Opportunity, Equal Opportunity Office, 888 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 303, Boston, MA 02215 (eoo@bu.edu).
Interim Equal Opportunity and Title IX Procedures
Boston University’s goal is to provide an equitable process and to help Community Members obtain the assistance they need. The Interim Equal Opportunity and Title IX Procedures and Appendices A, B, and C describe the University’s process for reporting potential Prohibited Behavior; the rights of participants in the administrative resolution process, including supportive measures and advisors; and the three types of investigation and resolution processes used by the University when addressing reports and complaints of Prohibited Behavior.
These Procedures and Appendices A, B, and C reflect legal and regulatory requirements and necessarily contain much detail. Please contact EOO for assistance in understanding them, including what to expect during the processes.
Disability Accommodation
Boston University is committed to supporting the academic, social, and cultural integration of individuals with disabilities. Our mission is to foster academic excellence, personal responsibility, and leadership growth in students with disabilities. Individuals are encouraged to contact Disability & Access Services to discuss support services and accommodations they may need. Services include auxiliary aids such as sign-language interpreters, exam accommodation, note-taking services, text in alternative format, and assistive technology. Accommodations are provided on a case-by-case basis depending on the individual’s diagnosis and documented needs. Disability & Access Services is also available to consult with individuals and groups regarding architectural, programmatic, digital, or communication access. The Disability & Access Services office may be reached at 617-353-3658, by email at access@bu.edu, or at bu.edu/disability. The office is located at 25 Buick Street, Suite 300, Boston, MA 02215.
