[Faculty Handbook Category #1]
The protection of confidential business information and trade secrets is vital to our interests and success. Such confidential information includes, but is not limited to, the following examples:
- Assets / investments
- Benchmarks
- Budgets
- Business and accounting records
- Computer codes, passwords, and processes
- Computer programs
- Copyrighted material
- Donor data and information
- Employee data and information
- Employee / student / donor lists
- Financial information
- Market information and marketing strategies
- Pending projects and proposals
- Payroll and expense reports
- Pricing data
- Processes, protocols, and methods
- Protected health information
- Strategic business plans
- Student education records and information
- Trade secrets
Unless we specifically direct otherwise, you shall not disclose any confidential materials or information, except as required or provided by law. Similarly, you shall not duplicate or otherwise copy any confidential materials or information. You must return all confidential materials or information in your possession immediately upon separation of employment or upon request.
This information has actual and/or potential independent economic value. We intend that any such information provided or disclosed to you is to remain confidential and protected from further disclosure until such time as we specifically declare such information to be no longer confidential.
If you improperly use or disclose trade secrets, confidential organization information, or other information protected by law, you will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment and legal action, even if you do not actually benefit from the disclosed information.
Nothing in this policy is intended to restrict you from exercising legal rights under any applicable law nor will you be subject to discipline for engaging in legally protected activity. Minnesota’s Wage Disclosure Protection law enables you to share the amount of your own wages with others without being punished for doing so.
St. Olaf College is guided by FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 1974) in providing privacy of student records. FERPA deals specifically with the education records of students, affording them certain rights with respect to those records. For specific guidelines regarding the release of student information see wp.stolaf.edu/registrar/ferpa/ or contact the Registrar’s Office.
updated 1/1/2026