Anna,
I think much will depend on the degree level. For example, the PhD exam is a public event. It is a publicly awarded degree in that it tells the public the holder is an examined expert in this topic.
The thesis is "published" by the university in that a copy is held in their record office and the library. Although some individuals can arrange with their institution for those records to be closed to the public even though they are on file. I am not aware of this occurring on a PhD but I have heard of it for a BA/BS in the US.
If this is only their marks, not whether they have the degree, then it would appear an inappropriate method to inform the students and would appear to breach the relevant principle about fairness.
I hope this helps.
Best,
Lawrence
Lawrence Serewicz
Information and Records Manager
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From: This list is for those interested in Data Protection issues <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf Of Anna Wright
Sent: 06 July 2018 11:48
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Publishing degree results list
I am aware that this has been a subject of debate over the years but couldn't find anything recent on this list.
We post our degree results list on a noticeboard within the College (we are a single site institution) but in an area that is open to the public if they are visiting the building for any reason. The lists are on display for a limited time period (4 hours), the students are not listed by name but using their ID number; however as this includes the first three letters of the surname they are potentially identifiable at least by other students and members of staff. The students are notified in the Student Information Handbook as to when and where the results will be published.
I have been contacted by the relative of a student who felt that we could be in breach of data protection legislation by publishing the lists in this way. I have done some (limited) research using Google and found details of several universities who do publish results lists, advice from the ICO about publishing examination results (but more in the context of schools publishing results in local newspapers) and an archived JISCLegal document which advised that it is an acceptable practice for HEIs.
Having discussed this with colleagues we think that for the future we could amend our practice to anonymise the results more by using the number part only of the ID, making the information about publication more explicit and offering an opportunity for students to opt out of having their results published (which isn't in our current procedure). We would also post the lists in a restricted area of the College
I have not found anything indicating that the situation has changed as a result of GDPR and would be pleased to hear from others as to their practice and whether they have made any changes.
Thank you in advance
Anna Wright
College Librarian and Data Protection Officer
Royal Northern College of Music
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