Confidentiality Procedure - 63.09.02
College Policy Number/Title:
Many Howard Community College employees have access to confidential information about current and former students, faculty, staff, and the institution itself. Such information is privileged and should not be disclosed except as a part of the employee's official job function in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (also known as FERPA), the Maryland Public Ethics Law, and college policies and procedures.
The Maryland Public Information Act provides that some information is public information. However, it is not up to an individual employee to release information except as provided by college policy and procedure. Any requests for information not specifically addressed by college policy and procedure and the employee’s job are to be referred to one of the following offices, based on the specific information being requested: human resources; records, registration, and veterans’ affairs; president’s office; or public relations and marketing.
Failure to respect confidentiality is cause for disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
Additional information related to confidentiality and handling of employee, student, or personal records can be found in the following policies and procedures: 50.05, Confidentiality of Student Records; 61.04.01, College Information; 61.04.02, Maryland Public Information Act Requests; 61.11, Website; 61.12, Proper Use of Information Technology; 61.13, Protection of College Information and Electronic Resources; 61.13.01, Safeguarding College Information; 61.18.01, Social Media Accounts; 61.19, Identity Theft Prevention/Red Flags Program, 61.19.01, Red Flags Procedures; 62.10.01, Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards; 63.09, Ethics and Conduct; and 63.09.14, Employee Code of Conduct.
Effective Date: 06/30/22
President's Office Use: CHRO/VPSS/PRES