FERPA

Blackboard Tool

Potential Exposure

Solution

User Directory

Releases information to other users in the Blackboard system.

Users have the option to edit their own Personal Information and Set Privacy Options. Access the main My Institution tab > Tools area > Personal Information .

Discussion Board

Reveals that a student is enrolled in the course.

UWT's Blackboard administrators have disabled guests (users without Blackboard accounts) from accessing any courses. As well, the guest role is turned off at the instructor level.

Faculty can use the BLOCK button via Discussion Board > Forum settings to prevent access to guests.

Discussion Board

Student postings and attachments are considered student records.

Faculty interested in reusing student's materials should obtain and retain a signed paper release. This should satisfy FERPA and copyright.

Virtual Classroom

Reveals that a student is enrolled in the course.

Faculty can disable this tool via Control Panel > Course Settings > Manage Tools . This tool will still be available with the groups area.

Roster

Reveals that a student is enrolled in the course.

Faculty should not use this tool unless absolutely necessary. Disable this tool via  Control Panel  > Manage Course Menu > Communication

Student Homepage

Reveals that a student is enrolled in the course.

Documents posted by students are considered student records.

Faculty can disable this tool via Control Panel > Manage Course Menu > Tools

Faculty interested in reusing student's materials should obtain and retain a signed paper release. This should satisfy FERPA and copyright.

Online Gradebook

Blackboard's Gradebook allows each student to only view his/her own grades.

• Instructors access the gradebook via the Control Panel .
• Students view their grades via Tools > My Grades .