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General Regulations

Student Responsibility for
Catalog Information

Students are held individually responsible for the information contained in this catalog. The requirements listed in the "Graduation Requirements" section of the catalog are those requirements which the University will make every effort to preserve for students subject to this catalog. All other parts of the catalog, including this "General Regulations" section, are subject to change from year to year as University rules, policies, and curricula change. Failure to keep informed of such changes will not exempt students from whatever penalties they may incur.

Changes in Rules and Policies

Although every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information in this catalog, students and others who use this catalog should note that laws, rules, and policies change from time to time and that these changes may alter the information contained in this publication. Changes may come in the form of statutes enacted by the Legislature, rules and policies adopted by the Board of Trustees of The California State University, by the Chancellor or designee of The California State University, or by the President or designee of San Diego State University. Further, it is not possible in a publication of this size to include all of the rules, policies, and other information that pertain to the student, San Diego State University, and The California State University. More current or complete information may be obtained from the appropriate department, school, or administrative office. Each semester, the Class Schedule and Student Information Handbook outlines changes in academic policy and procedure and current deadlines which are of importance to students.

Nothing in this catalog shall be construed as, operate as, or have the effect of an abridgment or a limitation of any rights, powers, or privileges of the Board of Trustees of The California State University, the Chancellor of The California State University, or the President of San Diego State University. The Trustees, the Chancellor, and the President are authorized by law to adopt, amend, or repeal rules and policies that apply to students. This catalog does not constitute a contract or the terms and conditions of a contract between the student and San Diego State University or The California State University. The relationship of the student to San Diego State University is one governed by statute, rules, and policy adopted by the Legislature, the Trustees, the Chancellor, the President and their duly authorized designees.

Privacy Rights of Students
in Education Records

The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (20 U.S.C. 1232g) and regulations adopted thereunder (34 C.F.R. 99) and California Education Code Section 67100 et seq, set out requirements designed to protect the privacy of students concerning their records maintained by the campus. Specifically, the statute and regulations govern access to student records maintained by the campus and the release of such records. In brief, the law provides that the campus must provide students access to records directly related to the student and an opportunity for a hearing to challenge such records on the grounds that they are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise inappropriate. The right to a hearing under the law does not include any right to challenge the appropriateness of a grade as determined by the instructor. The law generally requires that written consent of the student be received before releasing personally identifiable data about the student from records to other than a specified list of exceptions. The institution has adopted a set of policies and procedures concerning implementation of the statutes and the regulations on the campus. Copies of these policies and procedures may be obtained at the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. Among the types of information included in the campus statement of policies and procedures are: (1) the types of student records and the information contained therein; (2) the official responsible for the maintenance of each type of record; (3) the location of access lists which indicate persons requesting or receiving information from the record; (4) policies for reviewing and expunging records; (5) the access rights of students; (6)the procedures for challenging the content of student records; (7)the cost which will be charged for reproducing copies of records; and (8)the right of the student to file a complaint with the Department of Education. An office and review board have been established by the Department to investigate and adjudicate violations and complaints. The office designated for this purpose is The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office (FERPA), U.S. Department of Education, 330 "C" Street, Room 4511, Washington, D.C. 20202.

The campus is authorized under the Act to release "directory information" concerning students. "Directory information" includes the student's name, address, telephone listing, place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student. The above designated information is subject to release by the campus at any time unless the campus has received prior objection from the student specifying information which the student requests not be released. Students are given an opportunity to restrict the release of "directory information" about themselves by calling the Office of Admissions and Records touch-tone system, (619) 594-7800.

The campus is authorized to provide access to student records to campus officials and employees who have legitimate educational interests in such access. These persons are those who have responsibilities in connection with the campus' academic, administrative or service functions and who have reason for using student records connected with their campus or other related academic responsibilities. Disclosure may also be made to other persons or organizations under certain conditions (e.g., as part of accreditation or program evaluation; in response to a court order or subpoena; in connection with financial aid; to other institutions to which the student is transferring).