A permanent file is created for each student upon matriculation to the GSD. This file contains the student's application, registration forms, study cards, transcript, and copies of correspondence to the student. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, also known as the Buckley Amendment, governs access to this file. See the section on student rights and responsibilities in the GSD Student Handbook. When a student graduates, his or her file, with the exception of the transcript, is transferred to the Harvard University Archives for permanent storage. All contents of the file are the property of the GSD and will not be returned or forwarded to another party.
Transcripts
Student transcripts are maintained permanently in the GSD Office of Student Services. An official copy of a GSD transcript will be released on written request by the student. The Office of Student Services may issue copies of GSD transcripts only; requests for copies of transcripts from another institution must be made to that institution.
Directory Information
All students are required to complete the Directory Information section of the Student Data form during fall and spring registration. A student's name, photo image, e-mail address, phone number, local address, dates of attendance, program, expected date of graduation, and previous degree(s) received constitute directory information. If a student does not select one of the options listed on the form, the GSD will release this information to anyone who requests it by a student's name. Students may choose to:
- Not place any restrictions on directory information;
- Release directory information only to the GSD community so that information will be available through the internal GSD on-line facebook;
- Withhold address and telephone number from the GSD on-line facebook; or
- Directory information remains confidential and will not be released to anyone.