The Principia Study Abroad Office takes the confidentiality of student and staff information very seriously and complies with federal and state law and with College policy. The Study Abroad office staff and program staff strive to be compliant with rules and regulations outlined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA); with intent to ethically operate within these expectations and to make informed decisions during crises without violating federal regulations and risking litigation and fines.

Principia College Study Abroad may not disclose information in a student’s educational records to anyone without the permission of the student, unless disclosure is permitted by an exception set forth in FERPA, 20 U.S.C.A., Sec. 1232 et seq.

Caution should be taken by Study Abroad Office staff and program staff to communicate any information regarding a program student, without his or her consent. This includes communication with parents and guardians. It is the expectation and practice of the Study Abroad Office to communicate study abroad related information directly and clearly to program participants. It is the prerogative of the individual participants to share and communicate this information with third parties.