The Family Education Records Privacy Act (FERPA) governs the release of information pertaining to a student’s disability. Information about a student's accommodation is released only to those university employees with an educational need to know in order to perform the duties of their jobs, including:

  • Accessibility Resources and Services staff
  • other university employees as determined by the student’s particular situation.

The university does not need the student’s permission to release information about his or her need for accommodations to those university employees with an educational need to know the information to perform essential elements of his or her job. Generally, information regarding a student’s approved accommodations is released to the mentors or tutors the student is studying with each term.

Recordkeeping and a Student's Disability File

Information regarding a declared disability is maintained separately from the student’s official university record. At Empire State University, the student’s official disability record is maintained in the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services. 

Return to Student Handbook or continue to Grievance and Appeals: How Do I Appeal a Disability Action?


Contact us

If you have any questions related to accessibility resources and services, you can find additional information on the frequently asked questions page, or you may contact the accessibility resources staff at:

Office of Accessibility Resources and Services
Phone: 800-847-3000, ext. 2244
Fax: 518-584-3098
NYS Relay Service 800-421-1220
Disability.Services@sunyempire.edu