What is Directory Information?

Directory information is information contained in an education record of a student that generally would not be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. It includes:

  • Name
  • Address (home, mailing, billing & emergency)
  • Telephone numbers
  • Date of Birth
  • Email Address
  • Major Field of Study (including current career, program, plan(s), subplan(s), year, credit load and number of academic credits earned toward degree),
  • Dates of attendance (matriculation and withdrawal dates),
  • Degrees and awards received (type of degree and date granted),
  • Most recent previous educational agency or institution attended ,
  • Weight and height of members of athletic teams.

UW-Madison will not disclose "directory information" without first giving notice to "eligible students" of the categories of personally identifiable information that shall be treated as "directory information". All "eligible students" have the right to refuse the disclosure of personally identifiable information as directory information subject to other overriding provisions of law. To withhold directory information, students must fill out the request to withhold information form located on the Registrar's website at http://registrar.wisc.edu/forms/student/form_files/Request_To_Withhold_Information.pdf.

If a student has chosen to restrict the release of directory information, how do I respond to a caller?

  • If the University receives an inquiry about an individual who has restricted the release of his/her directory information, the caller is told, "Our records do not reflect directory information for this individual. The individual is free to contact us directly at (608) 262-3811 if s/he has any questions/concerns."

<<< BACK NEXT >>>