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Privacy and Security

Right of Privacy, Release of Confidential Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) grants students certain rights, privileges, and protections relative to individually identifiable student educational records that are maintained by Montana Western.

Specifically:

  1. Students’ educational records (with the exception of directory information) will be released to third parties only with the written consent of the student.
  2. Students have the right to inspect and review their own individually identifiable education records. This right may be exercised by contacting the Registrar.
  3. Students have the right to challenge information contained in individually identifiable educational records. Contact the Registrar for information.
  4. A copy of the policy statement describing Montana Western’s regulations for this Act is contained in the University Catalog.

FERPA permits the release of directory-type information to third parties without written consent of the student provided the student has been given the opportunity to withhold such disclosure. Montana Western releases, upon inquiry from third parties and for UMW’s News & Publications Office purposes, directory information without written consent of students.

Definition of Directory Information

The University of Montana Western designates the following information as “directory information” in the school catalog:

  • Student name
  • Student addresses
  • Telephone numbers
  • Email addresses
  • Name and address of parents
  • Honors and awards
  • Photographs of students and teams
  • Age, date and place of birth, gender
  • Major Student classification (fresh., soph., etc)
  • Activities and sports participation
  • Class schedules, dates of attendance, graduation, degrees received
  • Height, weight, name of high school attended, year of graduation of members of athletic teams
  • Most recent education institution attended

You have the right to refuse permission for the release of any of this information, now and in the future. Students may withhold directory information by checking the appropriate box on the college’s registration form for that particular semester/term, or by contacting the Registrar’s Office, James Short Admin. Building Room 105, (406) 683-7371. For more information regarding your right of privacy, please see the Student Handbook.

Clery Act

The safety and well-being of students is our number one concern and priority at Montana Western.

The Campus Security Act (or Clery Act) is federal legislation which requires colleges and universities to annually report their efforts on providing a safe environment for students.

For more information about Montana Western’s efforts to ensure the safety of our students, download the Annual Security and Fire Safety report.

Daily Crime Log

The Daily Crime Log is available for viewing during regular business hours excluding weekends and holidays. The Log is located at the Dean of Students Center. It contains the last 60 days of crimes reported to the campus security department, which includes Nature of crime, Case Number, Date/Time Reported, Date/Time Occurred, General Location, and Disposition.

Annual Notifications

Annual Notifications
Biennial Review

File a Complaint

Click here to file a complaint

Title IX

To file a Title IX report contact:

Title IX Coordinator:

Nicole Hazelbaker, [email protected], 406-683-7900, located at the Dean of Students Center.

For confidential reporting:

Campus Counseling Office – 406-683-7388

Our first priority is your safety. Get to a safe place and talk with someone who can help you as soon as possible.

Montana Western’s Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation policy can be found here:

Sexual Misconduct Reporting Procedures Flow Chart

Download PDF

Sexual Misconduct Reporting Procedures Flow Chart

Non-Discrimination Statement and Title IX Coordinator Notice;

The University of Montana Western is committed to providing a learning and working environment that emphasizes the dignity and worth of every member of its community and that is free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based upon race, color, religion, national origin, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, age, political ideas, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation (taken together, “protected-class harm”).

Consistent with this commitment, and with all applicable laws, the University will take appropriate action to eliminate, prevent and address the effects of protected-class harm as well as sexual harassment, including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sexual exploitation. Consistent with state and federal law, reasonable accommodation will be provided to persons with disabilities.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 requires that all educational institutions that receive federal funds or financial assistance prohibit sex discrimination in their education programs and activities. It reads, in relevant part:

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulation at 34 C.F.R. Part 106 (Title IX).

Inquiries about the application of Title IX at the University and reports about all forms of protected class discrimination and harassment should be referred to the University’s Title IX Coordinator:

Name and Title:  Nicole Hazelbaker, Dean of Students

Office Address:  528 E. Poindexter

Phone number:  406-683-7900

Email address:  [email protected]

Online Form address:  https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?UnivofMontanaWestern

Please note that reports can be made at any time, including during non-business hours, by using the Title IX Coordinator’s email address, listed telephone number (and leaving a private message), or by using the online form.

The University has adopted a Policy and accompanying Procedures titled Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Policy and Procedures, umwestern.edu/section/101-4-discrimination-harassment-and-retaliation// that define and prohibit such discrimination and harassment and describe how the University will respond.  The Policy and Procedures apply to all University programs and activities, including, but not limited to, admissions, athletics, instruction, grading, University housing, and University employment. In addition, the law prohibits retaliation against an individual for opposing any practices forbidden under this policy, for bringing a complaint of discrimination or harassment, for assisting someone with such a complaint, for attempting to stop such discrimination or harassment, or for participating in any manner in an investigation or resolution of a complaint of discrimination or harassment.

Title IX Training 2020

University of Montana Western employees involved in the University’s Title IX Process such as the Title IX Coordinator, investigators, decision-makers, and any person who facilitates an informal resolution process, receive the training required by Title IX. The training includes, among other things, how to serve impartially and without bias. You may review the training materials used at this link: https://www.grandriversolutions.com/hearings-in-the-new-era-29-31/. The password to view the materials is: youareready.

Consumer Disclosures

The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA) outlines information that institutions participating in federal financial aid programs should make available to current and prospective students. We’ve collected this information here to help you make an informed decision about achieving your educational goals.

For questions about consumer disclosures, please contact:

Higher Education Act Disclosures

Notice of Availability of Institutional and Financial Aid Information
Contact Information for Assistance in Obtaining Institutional or Financial Information
Equity in Athletics Report

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Reporting

Click here to view the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Reports 

Gainful Employment Data

Early Childhood Education
Farrier Science
Glass
Small Animal Grooming

General Institutional Information

Privacy of Student Records – Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Facilities and Services for Students with Disabilities
Student Diversity
Cost of Attendance
Net Price Calculator
Refund Policy and Requirements for Withdrawal and Return of Federal Financial Aid (p. 71)
Textbook Information
Academic Programs
Instructional Facilities
Transfer of Credit Policies and Articulation Agreements
Accreditation, Approval, and Licensure of Institutional and Programs
Copyright Infringement – Policies and Sanctions
Computer Use and File Sharing
Student Activities
Career and Job Placement Services

Teacher Preparation Program Report

Title II Teacher Preparation Report Card

Student Financial Assistance

Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements
Federal Student Financial Aid Penalties for Drug Law Violations
Verification Requirements
Code of Conduct for Education Loans

Student Loan Information

Rights and responsibilities of financial aid recipients
Initial Loan Counseling for Student Borrowers
Exit Counseling for Student Borrowers

Health and Safety

Drug Free Workplace
Missing Student Notification
Timely Warning
Vaccination Policies
Emergency Notification/Emergency Evacuation
Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program

Student Outcomes

Retention Rate
Graduation Rates (Student Right-to-Know Act)
Voter Registration