Handling student information during a crisis
If non-directory student information is needed to resolve a crisis or emergency situation, an education institution may release that information if the institution determines that the information is "necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals."
These may include:
- Serious communicable diseases
- Infectious diseases
- Suicidal ideation
Mere observations about a student’s behavior are not covered by FERPA, and should be shared with the administration or the proper authorities when warranted.
Health emergency
In the case of an emergency, contact the appropriate individuals (e.g., IU Police Department, Dean of Students, the Provost, or IU Health Center) and keep a record of with whom you spoke, when you called, what you spoke about and describe the situation that led you to make this call in the first place.
For more information on facing an emergency situation, see Emergency Procedures.
Family emergency
In the case of a family emergency (i.e. request for release of a student’s class schedule), the individual should be directed to the campus police for assistance.