It is importnant to know is that Grammarly and similar tools are cloud-based. These cloud-based services send any text you enter on your computer to third-party servers outside the college’s systems. Since Union doesn't have a special agreement with Grammarly to protect student data, using it in certain situations could break federal law.

What's the Risk?

When you have Grammarly installed, it can be running in many different applications—like when you're writing an email or a Google Doc. If you use it while working with student information, that information is being sent outside of our secure college systems. This could be a violation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a law that protects students' records.

How to Stay Safe

Please do not use Grammarly or similar tools when working with any of the following:

• Student names, ID numbers or contact information
• Graded assignments, essays or projects
• Feedback, comments or grades in Nexxus or other systems

For your own personal writing, feel free to use Grammarly. Just be sure that no student records or private information are involved.

Thank you for helping us keep our students' information secure and for ensuring we stay compliant with federal law