Student Records
Northwest complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act which provides guidelines on storage and releasing of student and former student records. Individuals may waive their rights to inspect records at Northwest, but the University may not require such a waiver as a condition to attendance.
Individuals may request a copy of their records, for a copying fee, from the following offices:
- Academic Records: Office of the Registrar, Administration Building
- Advisement Records: Academic Departments and/or Office of the Registrar
- Alumni Records: Office of Development and Alumni Relations, Alumni House
- Disciplinary Records: Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs, J.W. Jones Student Union
- Financial Records: Bursar/Cashiering Office, Administration Building
- Financial Assistance Records: Office of Scholarships and Financial Assistance, Administration Building
- Housing Records: Residential Life Office, J.W. Jones Student Union
- Library Records: B.D. Owens Library
- Medical Records: University Wellness Center
- Placement Records: Office of Career Services, Administration Building
- Security Records: University Police Department, Support Services Building
- Student Teaching Records: Educational Field Experiences Office, Brown Education Hall
- Teacher Education Records: Teacher Education Student Services Office, Administration Building
Information remains confidential between the individual and the University, and will not be released to a third party without the written consent of the student. Exceptions to this rule include information released to Northwest officials, officials of other schools where the student is seeking admission, federal or state educational authorities, financial assistance officials in connection with the receipt of financial assistance, state law officials or subpoenaed requests, accrediting organizations and parents of dependent students.
These parties will receive a notice that the information released to them must not be further distributed without the consent of the student.
The following records are not available for inspection by a third party: parents’ financial records, confidential letters of recommendation written before January 1, 1975, personal records of educators (e.g., instructor’s grade book), employee records, and medical or other professional records, unless the individual wishes to have a qualified professional examine his or her record.
Certain information about the currently enrolled student—name, age, address, phone, email address, place and date of birth, major, participation in activities and sports, weight and height of athletes, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, the most recent educational institution attended, including photographic, video, or electronic images, is considered directory information and thus is releasable to the public. If a student does not want this information released, he or she should contact the Office of the Registrar, Administration Building, within 10 days of the beginning of the term.
Inaccurate records may be challenged through a hearing requested through the Vice President of Student Affairs. The burden of proof that a record is inaccurate lies with the student. An impartial hearing officer will be appointed, to whom the student will have full opportunity to present his or her case. If desired, a student may submit a written explanation of the content of a record, which will become part of the record.
For any further information on student and former student records and records privacy, contact the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs or the Office of the Registrar.
University Housing Policy
Research has proven that freshmen experience an advantage, both in grades and in adjustment to college life, by living on campus within the University environment. To capitalize on this advantage, the University requires all first-time freshmen to live in the residence halls, unless they commute from their parents’ or legal guardians’ home, are married, or are 21 years of age or older. Students may petition the requirement to live on campus by completing the Commuting Form in the acceptance packet. Students whose form is approved will be exempted from this policy.
Student Identification Card (Bearcat Card)
Every student enrolled at Northwest is required to have an identification card (Bearcat Card), to carry it at all times, and to present it when requested by University personnel. The Bearcat Card serves as a meal card for students. In addition the card is used in the library, at sporting events, and in the copy machines and vending machines. The card can also be used as an ATM and debit card worldwide if the user has a US Bank account. All graduate and undergraduate students should report to the ID Office, in the J.W. Jones Union, as soon as they enroll, present their enrollment forms, and receive an ID card. The card is valid as long as the student is enrolled at Northwest. There is a replacement fee if the card is lost or stolen.
Campus Conduct Program
Coordinated by the Vice President of Student Affairs, the Campus Conduct Program is a multi-leveled system of discipline committees designed to hear student grievances and violations of the Student Code of Conduct. For more information, refer to the online Student Handbook or contact the Vice President of Student Affairs, (660) 562-1219.
Motor Vehicle Registration
Students are responsible for knowing and observing the parking and traffic policies. All vehicles must be registered with the University Police Department in order to use University parking facilities. Parking areas are designated for use by permit type.
Maps of the campus and copies of the Parking and Traffic Policy are available at the University Police Department, and are also distributed when students register their vehicles at the Student Services Center. Appeals of parking and traffic fines are heard by the Student-Faculty Traffic Committee and may be filed at the University Police Department.