Access to Snow College Spaces and Records
Snow College follows established rules regarding access to spaces and records. As a public institution of higher education, Snow College follows state and federal law.
Who can come on campus or enter buildings without permission?
Public Areas: Generally, anyone is allowed to enter areas that are open to the public.
Restricted Areas: Access to non-public areas is more limited. This includes places where the college has restricted entrance by access cards, locked doors, or monitored entryways. It also includes areas that are open to certain individuals with authority to be there. Examples are residences in the residence halls, offices, classrooms, and labs.
Individuals without college-authorized access may only enter restricted areas with a search warrant or other appropriate legal authorization. In order to be enforceable, these generally have to be signed by a judge, and even if signed by a judge, most orders provide an opportunity for the college to review their scope, validity, and object.
What should staff or faculty do if someone asks for access to a restricted area?
Follow our existing protocols by asking the person for their information and under what authorization they have to access the space. If they provide a search warrant or other legal authorization, let them know that you are not the person authorized to make decisions regarding entrance based on those documents. Tell the person to wait while you call Snow College Public Safety, who can be reached at 435-283-7170.
People who are not legitimately authorized to be in a restricted area may be asked to leave.
Does the Snow College Police Department enforce immigration matters?
No, the federal government engages its officers specifically to enforce immigration matters. Snow College Public Safety officers do not ask anyone about their immigration status and does not detain anyone solely on the basis of their immigration status.
The Snow College Public Safety must enforce a criminal warrant from any law enforcement agency, including ICE, and may otherwise pursue any criminal activity not based on immigration status.
Our Snow College Public Safety communicates frequently with other agencies and has been informed that regional ICE officers do not intend to come to campus, and that they will coordinate with Snow College Public Safety in the event this changes.
What should employees do if someone asks for information or records about a student?
If you receive a request for personally identifiable records about an employee or student from anyone, ask them if they have authorization to have access to the records. If they share a warrant or other legal documentation, contact the following:
- Employee Information: Human Resources at ude.wons@rh or 435-283-7044
- Student Information: College Registrar at ude.wons@rartsiger or 435-283-7230
- Any Request: Snow College Public Safety at ude.wons@klaw.kered or 435-283-7170
Do not share data with someone who does not have appropriate authorization.
Records with personally identifiable data are generally protected by several laws, including FERPA. Under FERPA, universities are required to release student’s education records when presented with a lawfully issued subpoena, court order, or other similar legal documentation. Students may make a request to control access to certain records, including granting or restricting access, by visiting the Office of the Registrar in person or online.