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What security and privacy policies are in place to protect student information?

The college observes a number of policies and practices that apply to the protection of student information. Student record privacy rights are described by the Registrar’s Office as provided for under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Protections covering medical records (through our Wellesley College Health Services Confidentiality Policy), financial records (under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act), information privacy, and the like are also observed and promoted. Student government and the Dean of Students are charged with adjudicating issues relating to the Wellesley College Honor Code that covers all aspects of student life, a responsibility which is taken very seriously.

Wellesley is cautious about releasing contact information about its students. Directories available off-campus are confined to listing student name and email.

Faculty, staff, and students participate in an ongoing educational process aimed at cybersecurity issues. Information Services has several policies, most particularly the policy on Responsible Use of Information Technology Resources, that protect student privacy and security and encourage compliance with laws, regulations, and best practices in this arena. Advice about safeguarding personal information appears in computing documentation, student organization web site guidelines, personal assistance in a variety of settings, and FirstClass Conferences such as “Computing Questions” or campus chat venues. An all-campus mailing is sent to each student in the fall which addresses a broad range cybersecurity issues. This mailing points students to software provided by the college to combat spyware and computer viruses on campus and personal computers. Wellesley employs an anti-spam filters on its e-mail system in order to reduce unsolicited e-mail.

How does the campus educate students about and protect students from identity theft?

We take the security of protected information very seriously. Personal information, such as on-campus addresses for students, is only available to persons working on computers within the Wellesley College network. Private information, such as financial aid information, is protected from public viewing. Students are issued a PIN number to access their private information such as grades, financial aid, etc.

Information Services also takes steps to help students protect themselves from identity theft and computer security breaches. Throughout the year, IS runs a security awareness program to remind students to install and keep updated anti-virus and anti-spyware protection software.

How does the campus notify students of their rights under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)?

The College Registrar’s web site advises students regarding their rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. In addition, the Student Life Division and Student Financial Services provide information on FERPA. Finally, the printed version of the course bulletin contains a notice regarding FERPA rights.

How does the campus manage e-mail spam and spyware?

A central server scans and tags spam, and it is up to each user to filter the spam if she/he so chooses. McAfee Anti-Spyware is issued to students with Windows computers.