Right to Privacy

Various departments at the College collect and maintain information about students in order to:

  1. allow the College, government agencies, research institutions or accrediting organizations to compile statistics, audit or evaluate programmes or plan future educational provision; and
  2. establish student records in manual and electronic file formats.

COSTAATT’s academic records contain information on the educational history and academic progress of the student. In addition, records may also contain information related to, but not limited to, a student’s employment and medical history. Administrative and teaching personnel of the College whose positions warrant access to these records may be granted access in order to fulfill the responsibilities of their job. Persons other than administrative or teaching personnel are considered to be third parties and as such are restricted from accessing students’ records.

While COSTAATT respects the student’s right to privacy and undertakes not to disclose the information provided by students to unauthorized agencies, the College may be required to disclose elements of a student’s record in the following instances:

  • the student has disclosed information which the College is asked to confirm;
  • the student is between 16 and 18 and is claimed by his/her parents as a dependant for tax purposes;
  • the student is in an emergency situation and it is necessary to protect his/her health or the health and safety of others;
  • the student is suspected of fraud against the College;
  • the student’s information is requested under the laws of Trinidad and Tobago by legitimate legal authority.