1.0 PURPOSE

Wheeling Jesuit University respects individual privacy and will abide by all federal and state laws governing employee and student privacy.

2.0 POLICY STATEMENT

2.1 Policy Statement

1. The University agrees to abide by privacy guidelines outlined in federal and state laws. These include, but are not limited to:
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996
• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974
2. Although the University does not make a regular practice of monitoring e-mail systems, it may review their contents at any time. All communications, information, or data transmitted and stored on University equipment and systems is the property of Wheeling Jesuit University.
3. Any and all information obtained officially or unofficially concerning a student or an employee, including information in personnel files, shall be treated as private - confidential information. 

2.2 Release of Private - Confidential Information 

1. Every employee must obtain the authorization of his/her immediate supervisor before releasing any information with respect to any student to any individual, agency, or organization, so that compliance with the law may be assured.
2. Employee information will not be released to outside sources without the employee's approval, except to verify employment dates and most recent job title, or as required by law. Only the Human Resources Department is authorized to disclose employee information.

2.3 Discipline

Acts of disclosure of private-confidential information about a student or employee to any unauthorized person shall be regarded as grounds for corrective action up to and including immediate termination.

3.0 AUTHORIZATION

The Director of Human Resources has the authority to change, modify or approve exceptions to this policy at any time, with or without notice, and with the approval of the University President.  

4.0 ATTACHMENTS

Email/Telephone/Social Media Policy

HIPPA Policy

FERPA Policy

Information Protection Policy

Corrective Action Policy