This may not be surprising to you, but it was a shock to me. My first year at UNC, I was working in the UNC Psychological Services Clinic, seeing students and community clients. For some reason, I happened to run across the online directory and look myself up. I was surprised to see my home address and cell phone number. Anyone in the world can access my home address via the UNC website.
I understand FERPA and the directory information, etc. I know that my directory information is considered a public record. However, I think universities should be more discerning about how directory information is released. If someone wants to find out where I live, I'd like it to be a bit more difficult to find it then the current system.
Graduate students often hold various roles on campus. Some graduate students are also employees or hold some other official capacity on campus. In my case (and some of my colleagues), I have been a counselor, teacher, and supervisor. I also work with students in the Dean of Students office. If a client, student, or their parent wants to find me or call me, it is pretty easy.
I came from a school where my directory information was available, but not online. If you looked up my profile on the university directory, all you would see if my school-provided email and name. If you wanted to get more than that, you would have to call the registrar's office to get it. I also think that cell phones were not considered directory information to this university.
When I discovered this information on the UNC website, I tried to change it. I looked for a box to check that said something similar to "don't want your information out for the world to see?" Nothing. I called the registrar's office. In order to remove my home address and cell phone, I had to fill out a form and take it to the registrar's office. This would make my information 'unlisted.' If your information is unlisted, your name is flagged on all of your class rosters. It yells....THIS PERSON WANTS TO BE A SECRET!!!! I've had students who have done this for reasons related to their physical safety. I want to make it clear that I have no problem with this. Personally, I don't need that level of protection.
I just don't want my home address so easy to find! Is that too much to ask?
How do you think student information should be handled? Have you searched for yourself? Did you know this level of information was available?
My solution: I just changed my address to my program's address. So, if anyone wants to look me up, they'll be headed to the second floor of McKee.
I recall checking my information after being accepted to UNC and I actually did try to change my information. However, there was a problem. The registrar’s office would not only not provide my information but the form specifically says they would also not provide information to non-institutional persons. Therefore, they would not/could not confirm my degree if an employer called, for insurance or mortgage information. This ultimately swayed my decision to leave my information on the directory. I struggled with having my personal cell phone on file and have considered listing my office number instead but to this day I have not submitted the form.
ReplyDeleteI think this level of information should not be available. If you think about student, faculty and staff safety and privacy I think we should make a better effort to make those aware that this type of information is published. In addition, why does this information need to be available? I feel as though students who want to reach each other with use other mediums (facebook, twitter) and if someone wanted to reach staff or faculty why would it not disclose their office information instead of personal information.
Universities should consider the broader implications of having such information listed on their websites.
Margaret you bring up several good points. Greeley is a small community (in case you hadvn't figured that out by now) and it's fairly easy to track someone down if necessary. Like Karla,I am curious as to why this information is necessary. Our agency (Perklen Center)is known for working with clients who have been identified as high-risk (meaning that they pose an increased threat to community safety). Unfortunately, these clients can be found throughout the Greeley community and UNC is no exception. I have gone to great lengths to erase my personal information from websites. It's discouraging to know that a client/student can access my information through the institutions website.
ReplyDeleteI think I'll be sharing your residence Margaret. So scoot over ane make room, I have a feeling there's about to be a lot of people snuggling in at hotel McKee.
FYI - I've emailed the IT people about this issue from both my personal and work (first.last@unco.edu) emails each semester (3) and still no response. I tried completing and submitting the form and my information is still up on the site. When I complied the office contacts list, I had two colleagues ask to not have their home information included for all our student staff to see. They were surprised to learn it was on UNC's website! Considering the large number of people we meet, I agree and would prefer to not have my home address listed. This is making me consider paying for a Post Office Box!
ReplyDeleteKarla, I should have added that you should be able to change your info on URSA. You can update your home address and phone numbers there. So, at least that part is easy!
ReplyDelete