Receipt of information from other individuals, institutions and organizations, is one of Brown’s most valuable resources, which requires responsible use by Brown University personnel. Often, such information contains trade secrets and/or is considered confidential. Access to confidential information is restricted to those who have a need to know or use the information data, as defined by job duties and subject to appropriate approval. Anyone who receives confidential information has a responsibility to maintain and safeguard this information and to use it with consideration and ethical regard for others. Circumventing or attempting to circumvent restrictions on the use and dissemination of confidential information is considered a serious offense and could lead to corrective action, up to and including termination of employment.
Departments are encouraged to have student workers sign a statement of confidentiality; particularly students working with information protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA); a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.