The University of Minnesota must follow the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act which regulates the handling of data. Data is classified as public, private or confidential.
Public data is available to anyone for any reason.
Confidential data only includes legal investigations and sealed bids. Requests for public information must be submitted in writing to the UofM Records and Information Management Office. University policy regulates sharing of information within the University. Briefly, some student information is designated as directory information and is a matter of public record. Students have the right to suppress this information.