Confidentiality
In dealing with information about individual students, advisors, instructors, and staff should always be aware of the need to protect students' privacy. In 1999, MIT approved a new Student Information Policy that complies with federal and state law, and that explicitly addresses responsibilities for handling student information. The full text of the policy can be found at http://web.mit.edu/policies/sip, and additional information can be gathered from the Academic Guide at http://mit.edu/acadinfo/undergrad/academic-guide/sec1.html#privacy.
Within the Institute, student information (i.e. registration records, grades, etc.) should be made available only to those officials with a legitimate need to know it. With few exceptions, it should NOT be made available to others- including parents and guardians-except with a student's specific, written consent.
Guidelines for Associate Advisors
Given the fact that you as an associate advisor are a student yourself, you will not have access to certain aspects of your advisees student information, such as grades, etc. , but this does not mean that you can ignore confidentiality.
Do not share confidential information with friends and other residents. Breaking confidentiality runs a risk of reducing your effectiveness as a role model.
However, you can serve as an early warning signal to advisors, so you must always be alert when it is appropriate to share problem situations and/or seek assistance. When in doubt, consult the advisor, or the UAAP. If you are a RAA, you may also consider consulting the GRT, Housemaster or Housefellow who operate under similar confidentiality guidelines. NEVER attempt a counseling situation on your own.
