Hello Christina (et al.) I have copy-pasted the StFX Writing Centre's confidentiality policy. Mainly, we are bound by the University legislation. Confidentiality Strict guidelines, including Nova Scotia's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, govern the release of an individual's information. See the Professional Staff Manual, Sec. 5.8.0, and the Academic Calendar, Sec. 3.16. Please meet with the coordinator to complete the enclosed Confidentiality Agreement. Releasing information to parents Parents sometimes call the Writing Centre to enquire about how their sons or daughters are doing in our programs and at StFX in general. They argue they have the right to this information because they have paid their children's tuition. We are not, however, authorized to release any information to parents or other third parties without a signed release from the student. For further information on disclosure to university officials, disclosure to third parties, and transcript requests, please see the StFX Academic Calendar (2004-05), Sec. 3.16 "Academic Records." Outlook Calendars Most instructors keep their Microsoft Outlook calendars open all day. These calendars include student names and appointment information. Remember to minimize your calendar when students are in your office. Access to transcripts Students enrolled in APEX and eXcel will be advised at the beginning of their programs that their instructors have access to their academic transcripts. Transcripts can only be accessed through the coordinator of the Writing Centre. Wendy L. Kraglund-Gauthier Academic Skills Instructor Camden Hall 113 (902) 867-4530 [log in to unmask] www.stfx.ca/people/wkraglun The Writing Centre, StFX University Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5 -----Original Message----- From: CASLL/Inkshed [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Halliday, Christina Sent: Wednesday, November 03, 2004 2:49 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: confidentiality policy for student educational records at writing centres? Hi there, The Writing & Learning Centre at the Ontario College of Art & Design is looking at instituting a confidentiality policy specific to our Centre. We are hoping that our confidentiality policy will address the following concerns: --student confidentiality with respect to the records we keep on the content of one-on-one appointments with students during writing/learning skills tutoring. These records are solely for the tutors as a way for them to keep track of the progress of the student (and tutor) in the one-on-one sessions. The records also include information on when the student came for tutoring, name, student ID, etc. --student confidentiality with respect to the personal information that tutors gather through conversing with students in a one-on-one context. MY QUESTION FOR WRITING & LEARNING CENTRE ADMINISTRATORS: Does your writing centre have a confidentiality policy? Is it different from your institution's policy on student records and therefore specially tailored to the needs of your centre? Can I have a look at your policy and where can I find it? Many, many thanks for helping me out! Best, C. Christina Halliday, PhD Coordinator, Writing & Learning Centre Faculty of Liberal Studies T 416.977.6000 x239 F 416.977.6006 E [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> ONTARIO COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN 100 McCaul Street, Toronto, Canada M5T 1W1 www.ocad.ca <http://www.ocad.ca/> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- To leave the list, send a SIGNOFF CASLL command to [log in to unmask] or, if you experience difficulties, write to Russ Hunt at [log in to unmask] For the list archives and information about the organization, its newsletter, and the annual conference, go to http://www.stu.ca/inkshed/ -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- To leave the list, send a SIGNOFF CASLL command to [log in to unmask] or, if you experience difficulties, write to Russ Hunt at [log in to unmask] For the list archives and information about the organization, its newsletter, and the annual conference, go to http://www.stu.ca/inkshed/ -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-