General Information

East Tennessee State University complies fully with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended. East Tennessee State University is fully in accord with the belief that educational and employment opportunities should be available to all eligible persons without regard to age, gender, color, race, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. They are:

The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the university receives a request for access.

Students should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The university official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the university official to whom the request was submitted does not maintain the records, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.

The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading.

Students may ask the university to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the university official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.

If the university decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the university will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.

The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the university in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the university has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her task. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

Upon request, the university discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by East Tennessee State University to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605

East Tennessee State University contracts the publication of a directory, which shows student names, addresses (e-mail, mailing, and campus box), major, and phone number. In addition, ETSU may release other directory information. Other directory information is defined as: enrollment status, dates of attendance, classification, previous institution(s) attended, awards, honors, photographs, degrees conferred (including dates), hometown and residency placement information, and sports participation information.

If students prefer not to have these items released, they must submit a written request to prevent disclosure of this data. A non-disclosure form is provided during orientation and is available through the College of Pharmacy Office of Student Affairs. The form must be submitted prior to the start of classes for the term in which the student desires the restriction to go into effect. A form submitted the last term of enrollment will remain in effect until the student re-enrolls.

The College and University provides information to various organizations about pharmacy students’ accomplishments and activities during their enrollment and at the time of graduation, which may include the provision of photographs and other visual images of students. As a regular practice, photographs of students, faculty, staff, and visitors to campus are used in publications produced by the College and University for recruitment and general information. Any student who does not wish to appear in any photos used for these purposes must notify the College of Pharmacy Office of Student Affairs prior to the start of classes for the term in which the student desires the restriction to go into effect. Please note that the restriction does not apply to the use of photographs taken of general scenes, events, or classes in session where groups of students may appear.

The East Tennessee State University strives to provide a safe and secure environment for the campus community. In order for individuals to make informed decisions about their personal safety, ETSU makes available to current and prospective students and employees the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This annual publication includes information on crime reporting procedures, policies, safety tips, prevention programs, and fire and crime statistics for the last three years. The report is available online at The Department of Public Safety website, where it can be downloaded for viewing or printing. Hard copies may also be obtained via US mail at no cost by calling Public Safety at (423) 439-4480, by writing to ETSU Dept. of Public Safety, Box 70646, Johnson City, TN 37614, or by emailing bucprevention@etsu.edu.

According to T.C.A. Sec. 49-7-133, it is a Class A misdemeanor to misrepresent academic credentials. A person commits the offense of misrepresentation of academic credentials who, knowing that the statement is false and with the intent to secure employment at or admission to an institution of higher education in Tennessee, represents, orally or in writing that such person:

1. Has successfully completed the required coursework for and has been awarded one (1) or more degrees or diplomas from an accredited institution of higher education;
2. Has successfully completed the required coursework for and has been awarded one (1) or more degrees for diplomas from a particular institution of higher education; or
3. Has successfully completed the required coursework for and has been awarded one (1) or more degrees or diplomas in a particular field or specialty from an accredited institution of higher education.

Eligibility for admission shall be determined without regard to age, sex, color, race, religion, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.