What does SMU define as Directory Information?

Under FERPA, the University may identify certain student information as directory information that may be released to third-parties without a student's consent. SMU's definition of directory information includes the following:

• Personal data which includes:  Student’s name, Address (home & mailing) ,Telephone (home & mailing), SMU assigned e-mail address

• Enrollment data which includes:  Academic Program (school of record, degree objectives, majors, minors, expected graduation date),  Academic Level (classification), Current Enrollment Status (full, half, part-time, etc.),  Attendance Dates,  Degrees and Awards received,  Previous Education including all past schools and/or institutions attended

• Participation data which includes: the student’s participation in officially recognized activities and sports, including an athlete’s weight and height

The student  has the right to restrict disclosure/release of directory information to third-parties.

How to restrict the release of Directory Information?

To restrict the release of directory information, the student has to:

• Submit the  “Student Request to Restrict Directory Information”  (PDF) form in person to the University Registrar’s Office. A valid picture ID is required for identification. This declaration is valid until written revocation by the student.

• Contact the webmaster at webmaster@smu.edu to remove his/her name and e-mail address from SMU’s searchable index and to inquire about any applicable personal website restrictions.

 What happens when a student's Directory Information is restricted?

• By restricting all SMU directory information, the student denies access to current or potential employers, other educational institutions, credit card companies, scholarship committees, insurance companies (health, auto, life, etc.) and other similar third-parties.

• The student’s directory information will not appear in the SMU Directory of Students, Staff and Faculty published at the beginning of each academic year (fall term).

• After a student‘s request to restrict directory information is processed, student leaders continue to have access to the student’s directory information if he/she participates in that organization.

• Restrictions on directory information do not apply to in-class communications.

For more information contact the University Registrar’s Office at (214)768-2038 or by e-mail at  registrar@smu.edu.