While they were saying among themselves it cannot be done, it was done.”
Disability Support Services (DSS), CSU, Chico
Confidentiality Policy
Disability Support Services maintains appropriate confidential files verifying students’ disabilities on behalf of the University; these records are protected in accordance with FERPA regulations (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). Chico State will not release any information regarding a student’s disability without his or her informed written consent or under compulsion of legal process. Disability related information will be shared only on a case-by-case basis when there is a compelling reason for such discussion within the university community or as required by law.
The information a student shares with faculty members regarding their disability is confidential and must be treated as such in accordance with university policy, the Office of Chancellor, and state and federal regulations governing confidentiality (FERPA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990). The Department of Justice (DoJ) has indicated that a faculty member generally does not have to know what the disability is, only that the disability has been appropriately verified by DSS. Students are not required to give specifics about their disability, having already done so with DSS. Information regarding the students’ ability must not be discussed or shared with other faculty members unless the student has signed a release of information form giving permission to do so.
DSS student records are maintained in a locked file cabinet with access limited to appropriate DSS personnel.