Directory Information

Learn how directory information is used at UB, and how students can control what information is shared.

Release of Student Directory Information

Unless otherwise notified in writing, the University at Buffalo may release the following directory information upon request: student name (both preferred/chosen and legal), current address, telephone number, email address, major field of study, dates of attendance, student clubs and organizations, athletics team and intramurals and honors, degree and awards received. The university will also publish the student’s name, major field of study and email address in its internet-accessible directory.

Non-Directory Information

Non-directory information refers to any student information not listed above. This includes, but is not limited to, a student’s courses, date of birth, ethnicity, gender, grades, Social Security number, or UB Person Number.

Prevent Release of Directory Information to Outside Parties

If a current or former student wants to prevent UB from releasing directory information to outside parties (or reverse their decision to prevent release), they must complete the Directory & Information Release / Non-Release form.

  • Students may do this at any time and as many times as necessary. 
  • This form may also be used to reinstate directory information release.
  • Even if students decide to prevent release of their directory information, information will be shared within the university for educational and administrative purposes.
  • UB will only include information about students that is designated as “directory information” under the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), or that has already been published by the university in another context. 

Student information can be provided to law enforcement pursuant to an ongoing investigation and/or if the student’s well-being is in question, even if the student has a FERPA block.

Directory & Information Release / Non-Release Form
Consider the Consequences of Withholding Directory Information

It is important that students consider very carefully the consequences of a decision to withhold “directory information.” Should the student select not to authorize release, any and all future requests for contact information from UB persons (on non-essential matters) and from non-institutional persons and organizations (such as scholarship organizations, prospective employers) will be denied.

Know What a Third Party Is

A third party is anyone but the student, or a UB employee who is asking for the information for legitimate academic needs. Third party would include parents, friends, spouses, prospective employers, other students, etc. If a student submits a FERPA Release Form, we may discuss with the individual(s) identified that form any student information as we would discuss it with the student themself.

Student Rights Under FERPA

For a complete statement of student rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), see Article 8 (Administrative Regulations) of UB’s Rules and Regulations and UB’s Access to Student Information Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Policy.