Understanding Confidentiality

Confidential means that the information you disclose, verbally or in writing, will be maintained in a confidential manner to the extent allowable by law and will not be disclosed to anyone outside the office to which it is reported without the student's consent. Confidentiality may be broken when there is suspected child or adult abuse, neglect, or when there is a danger to self or others.

Private/Non-Confidential means that information you disclose will be considered private but not confidential. For example, information may be shared between CURA partners in order for us to determine the most comprehensive assistance for you. Additionally, information may be shared with administrators so that the University can take necessary action to ensure the safety and well-being of the university community (e.g., Office of the Dean of Students, Campus Safety, Student Accessibility Center). To the best of our ability, all information shared will be with your consent. 

Generally, information shared by or about you with any of the CURA partners becomes part of your education record. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 identifies certain rights students have with respect to their education records. To review Loyola University Chicago’s policy on FERPA, visit FERPA.

FERPA prohibits the sharing of education records, but it does allow for exceptions when there is an established legitimate educational interest by CURA partners and other university employees, and more importantly, when there is a significant risk to the safety or well-being of any university community member. In other words, CURA partners may, at times, share information with each other if it is determined necessary to assist students. Additionally, we may decide to take action if we become aware of information that poses a significant risk to the safety or well-being of any member of the University community even if you request that the information not be shared or that the university not take action. We will work with you by keeping you informed and taking reasonable measures to address your safety and well-being.  

If you need to speak to someone in a confidential setting, you should consider contacting the Wellness Center. Information shared by a student meeting with a counselor or with a gender-based violence survivor Advocate at the Wellness Center is confidential. This means nothing will go on your student education record and information is not shared with CURA partners without your consent. This also means that parents or loved ones do not have access to mental health records without your consent. Exceptions to this include information about child or elder abuse, neglect, or serious risk to human life.