Tufts University Student Release Policy: A Comprehensive Overview

Tufts University, like all educational institutions in the United States, operates under a framework of policies designed to protect student rights and maintain academic integrity. Among these is the student release policy, which governs access to and disclosure of student education records.

Understanding FERPA and Student Rights

The cornerstone of student data privacy at Tufts is the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. This federal law grants students specific rights regarding their educational records, including:

Access to Educational Records: The right to inspect and review their "educational records" as defined by FERPA.
Right to Seek Amendment: The right to request changes to portions of their records they believe are incorrect or inaccurate.
Control Over Disclosure: The right to limit or prevent the disclosure of their records to third parties, except in circumstances allowed by FERPA.

Tufts University has established a FERPA Model Policy to ensure student understanding of these rights and how they are implemented at the institution.

Scope and Application of the Tufts FERPA Policy

This policy applies to all schools and divisions within Tufts University. A student is defined as someone who has officially matriculated at the University and attends or has attended classes. This definition excludes prospective students or applicants.

What Constitutes an Education Record?

Education records are defined as records relating to a student that are maintained by the University or by a party acting on its behalf. However, there are some exceptions:

Personal Memory Aids: Records created by a school official as a personal memory aid, such as notes from a private telephone conversation, are not considered education records.
Law Enforcement Records: Records of the Tufts University Police Department maintained separately and solely for law enforcement purposes are also excluded.
Treatment Records: Most records created and maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other treatment providers are not considered education records under FERPA. However, students may still be able to access these records by completing a HIPAA release form.
Alumni Records: Records pertaining to a former student other than those generated when that person was a student, such as alumni records, are not considered education records.

Accessing and Amending Education Records

Students have the right to inspect and review their education records within 45 days of submitting a written request to the Registrar’s Office. The request should identify the specific records the student wishes to inspect. The Registrar’s Office will then arrange access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

If a student believes their education records are inaccurate, they can submit a written request to the Registrar’s Office to amend the records. The request must clearly identify the records the student wants to have amended and specify the reasons they believe the records to be inaccurate. The Registrar’s Office will notify the student of the University’s decision. If the University decides not to amend the records, the Registrar’s Office will inform the student of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment.

Release of Records to Third Parties

Tufts University generally requires a student’s written consent before releasing personally identifiable information from their education records to third parties. Personally identifiable information includes a student’s name, address, and other information that could allow a student to be identified. However, there are several exceptions to this rule:

Tufts Officials: Records may be released to Tufts officials, such as employees and members of faculty and trustee committees, who have a need to know or who are required to work with the records to carry out their duties.
Other Educational Institutions: Records may be released to officials of another education institution in which the student seeks to enroll. Students are entitled to a copy of such records upon request.
Government Authorities: Records may be released to the Secretary of Education, or state and local authorities responsible in connection with an audit or evaluation of federal or state supported education programs.
Financial Aid: Information may be released to an individual or organization required to be informed in connection with the student's application or receipt of financial aid.
State and Local Officials: Information may be released to state and local officials to whom information is specifically required to be reported by state laws enacted prior to November 19, 1974.
Health and Safety Emergencies: Information may be released to appropriate parties in a health or safety emergency if necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or another individual.
Legal Action: Information may be released in compliance with a subpoena or in response to other legal action involving the student and the University.
Disciplinary Proceedings: When the information is a record of a campus disciplinary proceeding, the University may release it. For students under the age of 21, the University may also inform parents about violations of any federal, state, or local law, or any University rule or policy that governs the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance.

Any request or authorization to allow material from a student’s files to be shown to third parties should include:

A specification of the records to be disclosed.
The purpose of the disclosure.
The party or class of parties to whom disclosure may be made.

Students can contact the Registrar's Office for additional information about authorizing disclosures from their education records.

Policy Violations and Complaint Procedures

Students who believe that Tufts University has failed to comply with FERPA requirements may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education. The complaint must be submitted within 180 days of the date of the alleged violation or the date the student knew or reasonably should have known of the alleged violation. Complaints should be sent to the U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-4605.

University Policies and Student Conduct

In addition to FERPA regulations, Tufts University has enacted policies regarding student behavior and academic integrity. These policies are designed to further the standards of the Tufts community.

Academic Misconduct

Academic integrity is a core value at Tufts University. Academic misconduct is prohibited and includes:

Cheating: Giving or receiving unauthorized assistance on academic work.
Plagiarism: Using another's ideas or work without full and clear attribution.
Inappropriate Collaboration: Collaborating on academic work beyond the limits specified by the instructor.
Academic Dishonesty: Communicating falsehoods or misrepresentations related to any academic work.
Research Misconduct: Fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in research.
Abetting Violations of University Policy: Abetting another in violations of university policy is prohibited.

Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy

Tufts students are responsible for conducting themselves safely, responsibly, and legally regarding the use, possession, sale, or distribution of alcohol and other drugs. The university requires students to follow state and federal laws related to alcohol and drug use.

Alcohol Policy: Students under 21 are prohibited from possessing or consuming alcohol.
Adult-Use Marijuana: Tufts prohibits the use, sale, growing, manufacturing, distribution, possession, or facilitation of the use of marijuana on campus or at Tufts-sponsored activities, even though the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has legalized adult use of marijuana.
Medical Marijuana: The use, possession, or distribution of marijuana for medicinal purposes is also prohibited on campus and at Tufts-sponsored activities.
Prohibited Substances: Students are prohibited from possessing, using, selling, growing, manufacturing, and facilitating the use of illegal drugs, controlled substances, and other illegal substances.

Call for Help Policy

Tufts University prioritizes the health, safety, and wellbeing of its students. The Call for Help Policy encourages students to seek help for themselves or others in the event of a safety or medical need, including situations involving alcohol or other drugs. Students who seek help will not be charged with alcohol or other drug violations, but may be required to complete educational, counseling, or training programs.

Read also: Exploring Tufts Athletics

Leaves of Absence and Study Away

Tufts University offers various leave of absence options for undergraduate students, including:

Study in Home Country: Allows students to study as a full-time student at an accredited four-year university in their home country for a maximum of two semesters.
Military Leave: Available for students who need to take a leave of absence for military service.
Personal Withdrawal or Transfer Leave: Allows students to permanently discontinue their studies at Tufts.

Study in Home Country: USA

This leave is intended to allow US-based undergraduate students to study at a four-year university in the US. Students must attempt the equivalent of at least 12 credits to count their semester away as one of the eight semesters of full-time study needed for graduation.

Study in Home Country: International

This leave is intended to allow undergraduate international students to study in their home country of record. Students must attempt the equivalent of at least 12 credits to count their semester away as one of the eight semesters of full-time study needed for graduation.

Academic Policies

Academic Residence Requirement

The university requires eight semesters of full-time study for the baccalaureate degree for all undergraduates. After matriculating at Tufts, a student may spend no more than two semesters of full-time study at other approved institutions or on approved non-Tufts study abroad programs.

Transfer Students

Transfer students are entitled to the same advanced placement credits and exemptions from foundation requirements as students who enter Tufts as first-year students. Transfer students must spend a minimum of four full-time semesters at Tufts or on Tufts Programs Abroad and must complete at least half the required credits toward their degree at Tufts or on Tufts Programs Abroad.

Transfer of Credit from Other Institutions

In order to receive transfer credit from another accredited institution, a student must have received a grade of C-or better, (undergraduates enrolled at the SMFA must earn a C or above for studio credit to transfer). Students may transfer from other institutions no more than the equivalent of sixty semester hours for both the School of Arts and Sciences. Students in the School of Engineering may transfer in a maximum of half of the required semester hours for their specific degree program. Tufts does not accept transfer credits for internships nor for online courses.

Resumed Education for Adult Learners (REAL)

The Resumed Education for Adult Learners (REAL) program for BA/BS degree seeking students is open to students 24 years of age. This unique undergraduate program meets the need for greater academic flexibility in the education of older students, including veterans, and students who are married or are parents. The R.E.A.L. program is particularly receptive to prospective students who have assumed leadership roles in local community affairs as well as to residents of Medford and Somerville.

Pre-matriculation Credits

Pre-matriculation credits are defined as credits earned from certain scores on Advanced Placement and SAT Subject examinations, scores on examinations, from the IB and British A-levels as well as credits earned from college courses taken prior to matriculation at Tufts or any four-year accredited college or university.

Academic Standing/Satisfactory Progress toward the Degree

Determination of a student’s academic status is made by the faculty Committee on Academic Standing. The committee reserves the right to make decisions on an individual student’s academic progress.

The Öztürk Case: A Recent Example of Student Rights and Freedom of Expression

The case of Rümeysa Öztürk, a Tufts University doctoral student, highlights the importance of understanding student rights and the potential challenges to freedom of expression. Öztürk, a Turkish national, was detained by ICE officials in March 2024, allegedly in retaliation for an op-ed she co-wrote for the university's campus publication criticizing the university president's response to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Judge William K. District Court for Vermont said that “her arrest and detention appeared likely to have been carried out solely in retaliation for an op-ed.” He went on to state her arrest “has raised a substantial claim of a constitutional violation.”

The incident raised concerns about the potential chilling effect on student speech and the extent to which the government can monitor and react to student publications. The Student Press Law Center and other journalism organizations denounced ICE's action, emphasizing the importance of a free press and the right of students to express their views without fear of retribution. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had revoked Ozturk’s visa, saying her continued presence in the United States was contrary to American foreign policy interests, part of a wave of similar visa terminations targeting students who had criticized Israel or joined pro-Palestinian protests.

Tufts University, in a statement, said it was pleased with the decision to release Öztürk and looked forward to welcoming her back to campus to resume her doctoral studies.

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