Student Privacy in Distance Education Courses

The University of Richmond is committed to protecting student privacy for students enrolled in all courses regardless of the mode of instruction (on-line, hybrid, classroom). All of the University policies regarding student privacy and information security apply to distance education courses. Faculty teaching distance education courses are expected to uphold these polices and follow these procedures:

• Teach distance education courses using BlackBoard, the University's learning management system, in order to ensure security of student work and grades.
• Use the University's secure BannerWeb site to report student grades.
• Use BlackBoard or the University's email system for all official, confidential communication such as providing feedback on student work, releasing grade information to students, etc.
• Keep student work, scores or grades confidential. Students in the course should not have access to other students' work or grades.
• Keep your BlackBoard or UR email account information secure. Do not share your login information with anyone, give anyone unauthorized access to the BlackBoard course or assign a student the role of instructor or graduate assistant in BlackBoard.
• Follow the University’s guidelines for sharing student educational record information with other faculty, staff, parents or others outside the University.

Self-directed, online FERPA training is available through the University’s talent management system, UR Talent Web. For more information on training, contact the Registrar's Office.