For the purposes of this policy, the following definitions of terms apply:

(1) "Student" means any individual who is or has been in attendance at Bellingham Technical College and for whom the college maintains education records.

(2) "Education records" are defined as those records, files and documents (in handwriting, print, tapes, film, microfiche or other medium) maintained by Bellingham Technical College which contain information directly related to the individual student. Education records include only the following:

(a) Records pertaining to admission, advisement, registration, grading, and progress toward a degree or certificate that are maintained by the registrar.

(b) Testing information used for advisement purposes by the counseling center.

(c) Information concerning payment of fees as maintained by the registrar.

(d) Financial aid information as collected by the financial aid office.

(e) Information regarding students participating in student government that is maintained by the student programs office.

(3) "Directory information" means the student's name, major field of study, dates of attendance, degree or certificate earned, term degree or certificate awarded, or honors. Directory information may be disclosed at the discretion of the college and without the consent of the student unless they elect to prevent disclosure as provided for in WAC 495B-280-070.

(4) "Written consent" means a written authorization for disclosure of student education records which is:

(a) Signed by the student, or the legal custodian of the student if the student is a minor;

(b) Dated;

(c) Which specifies the records to be disclosed; and

(d) Which specifies to whom disclosure is authorized.

(5) "Personally identifiable" means data or information which includes: The name of the student, the student's parent(s), legal custodian, or other family members; a personal identifier such as the student's Social Security number or student number; or a list of personal characteristics which would make the student's identity easily traceable.