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Request for Information Policy

This policy provides guidance for SVA faculty and staff on how to handle requests from law enforcement officials (or agents working on behalf of government or law enforcement agencies) seeking access to records, facilities, employees, or students. Law enforcement requests are common, ranging from routine background checks to more involved investigations. These guidelines ensure campus safety and security while protecting student and employee privacy.


Information should not be provided to any third party about an individual, verbal or written, without first conferring with one of the following offices. Refer all inquiries to the appropriate department:

Student InformationEmployee InformationAccess to Facilities
Registrar’s OfficeHuman ResourcesSecurity Services
205 East 23rd Street, 1st Floor380 2nd Avenue, 8th Floor209 East 23rd Street, Lower Level
212.592.2200212.592.2645212.592.2001
registrar@sva.eduhr@sva.edusecurity@sva.edu

  • Student Privacy (FERPA): The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) generally prohibits SVA from releasing information contained in student education records without the student’s written consent. Exceptions include court orders, subpoenas, health/safety emergencies, and financial aid eligibility determinations. For more information about FERPA, visit sva.edu/ferpa.


    Employee Information: SVA protects employee information in accordance with College policy and state and federal laws.


    Access to SVA Facilities: Law enforcement generally needs a warrant or SVA’s consent to enter non-public areas (e.g., residence halls, ID-restricted buildings, classrooms, and private offices). Decisions regarding access should be made in consultation with SVA Security Services.

  • Email or Mail Requests (Subpoenas, Letters)

    If you receive a subpoena or letter from a court or agency requesting information about a student:


    If you receive a subpoena or letter from a court or agency requesting information about a faculty or staff member:

    • Call Human Resources at 212.592.2645.
    • Scan and email the document to hr@sva.edu, noting the date and method of delivery.


    Phone Calls or In-Person Visits

    If a federal or state official (or anyone else) calls or visits with a subpoena or request for records, facilities, an employee, or a student:

    • Remain calm.
    • Politely inform them that SVA policy requires all external requests to be coordinated through the Registrar’s Office (student records), Human Resources (employee records), or SVA Security Services (access to facilities). 
    • You are not authorized to provide information immediately.


    Subpoena Delivery

    If a subpoena is being delivered:

    • Do not accept the subpoena, and inform the individual that only certain offices on campus may do so.
    • If possible, ascertain what type of information is being requested in the subpoena and direct the individual to the appropriate office below:
    • Subpoenas for student information: Registrar’s Office, 205 East 23rd Street, 1st floor. Alert the office of an impending visit by calling 212.592.2200 or emailing registrar@sva.edu.
    • Employee information requests: Human Resources, 380 2nd Avenue, 8th Floor. Alert the office of an impending visit by calling 212.592.2645 or emailing hr@sva.edu.


    Verbal Information Requests (Phone or In-Person)

    If information is requested verbally:

    • Ask the official to submit their request in writing (email is acceptable) on official agency letterhead. Inform them that SVA will respond after review.
    • If possible, record the official’s:
    • Name
    • Badge number
    • Title
    • Contact information
    • Time of visit/call
    • Information requested
    • Student information requests: Contact the Registrar’s Office (212.592.2200) and send the information to registrar@sva.edu.
    • Employee information requests: Contact Human Resources (212.592.2645) and send the information to hr@sva.edu.


    In-Person Requests for Access

    If an official is on campus and requests access to records, facilities, or individuals:

    • Remain calm.
    • Politely explain that SVA policy requires coordination through SVA Security Services and either the Registrar’s Office (student records) or Human Resources (employee records).
    • Ask the official to wait for further guidance.
    • Immediately contact Security Services (212.592.2001) and the Registrar’s Office (212.592.2200, for student records) or Human Resources (212.592.2645, for employee records).

  • Exigent circumstances are emergency situations where law enforcement reasonably believes immediate action is necessary to prevent imminent danger to life or safety (e.g., active shooter, hostage situation), the imminent destruction or removal of evidence, or the escape of a suspect. In these situations, officials may be authorized to act without a warrant.


    If law enforcement is acting under exigent circumstances, do not physically obstruct or interfere with their actions. Interfering could escalate a dangerous situation and affect the safety of yourself or others. You do, however, have the right to document and report the incident to Security Services.

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