Consumer Information

Federal Student Disclosure Requirements

Preamble:

Regulations promulgated by the United States Department of Education to implement changes made to the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), by the Higher Education Amendments of 1998 (1998 Amendments) require the disclosure of financial assistance and institutional information to students under the student financial assistance programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (Title IV). These programs include the Federal Pell Grant Program, the campus-based programs (Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Work-Study (FWS), and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) programs), the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program, the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program, and the Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP) Program (formerly called the State Student Incentive Grant (SSIG) Program).  Under the regulations the University annually must distribute to all enrolled students a notice of the availability of financial assistance and institutional information required to be disclosed pursuant to the Higher Education Act amendments and pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) which governs access to student educational records maintained by educational institutions and the release of information from those records.

Student Financial Assistance and Institutional Information

The following student financial assistance and institutional information regarding the University is available upon request through appropriate publications, mailings or electronic media, to all enrolled and prospective students. You can obtain the information by contacting Financial Aid Office or by accessing their website.

  • a description of all Federal, State, local, private and institutional student financial assistance programs available
  • how to apply for student financial assistance
  • student eligibility requirements, including standards for satisfactory academic progress
  • the method of award and distribution of student financial assistance
  • the rights and responsibilities of students receiving financial assistance, including the terms of any loans received, the terms and conditions of employment provided as part of a student’s  financial   assistance, and the terms and conditions under which students receiving FFEL and Direct loans may obtain deferrals
  • the cost of attendance at the institution, including tuition and fees, room and board and estimates of the costs of books and supplies and transportation
  • the requirements for refunds of tuition, fees and costs, for the return of federal funds, and for officially withdrawing from the institution
  • academic program information, including instructional, laboratory and physical facilities and faculty and other instructional personnel
  • the designated University personnel available to assist enrolled or prospective students in obtaining the required financial assistance and institutional information
  • information pertaining to the University's accreditation, approval or licensure
  • special facilities. and services available to disabled students
  • notice that study abroad is considered at the University for purposes of federal student financial assistance
  • the University's a completion or graduation rates

Institutional Information

Undergraduate Students
Information about the University at Stony Brook's undergraduate academic programs, instructional, laboratory and physical facilities, faculty, and retention and graduation rates are available at these locations:
.
Graduate Students
Information about the University at Stony Brook's graduate programs, instructional, laboratory and physical facilities, faculty, and retention and graduation rates are available at these locations:
.
University’s Annual Security Report
In addition, by October 1st of each year the University will distribute, through appropriate publications, mailings or electronic media, its annual security report. This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this report by contacting University Police (Ph.: 631-632-7786) or by accessing the following website:
Safety Policy and Crime Statistics


Report on Athletic Program Participation Rates and Financial Support Data
Not later than October 15 of each year the University will make available upon request to enrolled students, prospective students and the public its report on athletic program participation rates and financial support data. This report includes data, by gender, about participation, staffing, revenues and expenses attributable to the University's intercollegiate athletic programs. You can obtain a copy of this report by contacting Division of Athletics.
Division of Athletics Equity and Disclosure Act Survey


Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1994
In conjunction with the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1994, the University at Stony Brook and the Student Health Service are committed to clear and concise policies on alcohol and other substance abuse and a strong program of counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, and reentry. Students should be aware of the following information:

Student rules and regulations prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on campus properties or as part of its activities. All provisions of State Alcoholic Beverage Control Law and all rules of the State Liquor Authority apply on campus. No person under the age of twenty-one can possess any alcoholic beverage with the intent to consume. State and Federal drug and narcotic laws are also enforced on campus.


Alcohol and other substance abuse counseling, rehabilitation, and reentry programs are offered in the community. Free, confidential information and assessments are available at the Student Health Service by calling the Student Health Service (2-6740) for an appointment. Referrals will be made to community treatment programs if indicated. The Student Counseling Center offers a number of programs and activities designed to assist students. In addition, chapters of Alcoholics Anonymous and Adult Children of Alcoholics meet regularly on campus. Employees are served by an Employee Assistance Program (2-6085).

The University will impose appropriate disciplinary sanctions on students and employees. Student conduct violations are considered by the Student Judiciary. Sanctions may range from warnings to expulsion for violation of university standards.

Local, state, and federal laws for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol are enforced on campus. These include the State Penal Code provisions on the possession and sale of controlled substances and federal controlled substance possession and trafficking sanctions.

Violations of state laws can result in fines and up to life in prison. Federal sanctions are similar.
The use and overdose of illicit drugs and alcohol can lead to physical and psychological dependence, behavioral changes, physical and psychological damage, and possible death. Even low doses may significantly impair judgment and coordination.

A complete copy of the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act statement is available for student review. Direct inquiries to the Student Health Center.
 


Campus Policy Governing Use of Alcohol & Other Drugs
The University at Stony Brook is committed to promoting a drug-free campus environment.

A description of the University Student Conduct Code Policy on Alcohol & Other Drugs:
http://studentaffairs.stonybrook.edu/judiciary/

Consistent with the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of (20 USC of 101) and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1998, all students and employees are advised that individuals who violate Federal, State or Local laws and campus policies are subject to University disciplinary action and criminal prosecution. The possession, use or distribution of a controlled substance or dangerous drugs, or any drug unlawful to possess, e.g. marijuana, except as expressly permitted by law, is a violation of law and of campus policy. Penalties may include attendance and completion of appropriate rehabilitation programs in addition to federal, state and local sanctions.

Students should be aware there are significant psychological and physiological health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol. Physical addiction, loss of control and withdrawal syndrome as well as serious damage to vital organs of the body can result from drug and alcohol abuse.

The following resources are available for assisting those with possible problems of chemical abuse:

Substance Abuse Counselor: 631-632-6450
Employee Assistance Program: 631-632-6085
Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence: 631-979-1700

New York State Law
Articles 220 and 221 of the New York State Penal Law set criminal penalties for possession or sale of drugs considered harmful or subject to abuse. The seriousness of the offense and penalty imposed upon conviction depend upon the individual drug and amount held or sold.

Marijuana
New York State law classifies possession of up to 25 grams of marijuana as a violation. Penalties range from $100 to $250 fine and/or up to 15 days in jail, depending on whether it is a first, second or third offense. Possession of more than 25 grams but not more than eight ounces is a misdemeanor; possession of more than eight ounces is a felony. Sale of 25 grams or less is a misdemeanor; sale of more than 25 grams is a felony. New York State law makes no exception for the use of marijuana for medical purposes.

Hashish, Cocaine and Crack
The penalties for sale or possession of hashish or cocaine or crack are more severe. Possession of any amount, no matter how small, is the most serious class of misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail. Possession of one quarter ounce or more of hashish or 500 milligrams or more of cocaine or crack is a class D felony punishable by 1-7 years in a state correctional facility. Longer sentences apply for possession of greater amounts. The sale of any amount of hashish or cocaine or crack is a felony.

Effects and Symptoms of overdose, withdrawal and misuse of alcohol and drugs
A description of alcohol and drug categories, their effects, symptoms of overdose, withdrawal symptoms and indications of misuse can be found at:
http://www.drugabuse.gov/
http://www.oasas.state.ny.us/

Drug Enforcement Administration of the U.S. Department of Justice website: http://www.dea.gov


Federal Trafficking Penalties can be found at: http://www.dea.gov

 

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act Information
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) sets forth requirements designed to protect the confidentiality of student educational records. The law governs access to records maintained by educational institutions and the release of information from those records. FERPA affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:
The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access. Students should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The University official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected If the records are not maintained by the University official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the Correct official to whom the request should be addressed.

If a student believes their educational record is inaccurate or misleading, they have the right to request an amendment. Students should write the University officials responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the decision. If appropriate, additional information regarding the possibility of a hearing will be provided to the student.

Students have the right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. Once exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the University discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

The right to file a complaint with the US Department of Education concerning alleged failures by State University to comply with the requirements of FERPA The Office's address is: Family Policy Compliance Office, US Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20202- 4605.

The University, in accordance with FERPA, has designated the following information about students as public (directory) information:

Name

Program of Student
(including college of enrollment and major)

Enrollment Status (e.g. Full-time, Part-time, Withdrawn)
Local Address Degrees and Awards Received Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
Local Telephone Dates of Attendance Date of Graduation
Students have the right to have this directory information withheld from the public if they so desire. Each student who wants all directory information to be withheld (including items to be published in the Student Directory) shall so indicate by completing a Change of Information Form which can be obtained from the Office of the University Registrar or any college/ extended campus office. At least 10 days should be allowed for processing of these requests. The University receives many inquiries for "directory information" from a variety of sources, including friends, parents, relatives, prospective employers, and other institutions of higher education, honor societies, licensing agencies, government agencies, and the news media. Each student is advised to carefully consider the consequences of a decision to withhold "directory information. " The University, in all good faith, will not release directory information requested to be withheld, and any requests from persons or organizations outside the University will be refused unless the student provides written consent for the release.