At UW–Madison, we manage a wide variety of systems and forms that collect and store personal information for both students and employees. On behalf of the university, the Office of the Registrar is the responsible office and data trustee for student record information. They collect and maintain this information and support its use only for valid business purposes that ensure your access to University resources and opportunities.
Regularly updating your personal information ensures you are represented accurately in the university systems you use. Office of the Registrar lists the types of student information that are most frequently collected and explains how you can update them, including:
- Name in Use (Preferred Name)
- Pronouns
- Contact Information
- Legal Name, Legal Sex, and Birthdate
- Social Security Number (SSN)
You also have the option to restrict the release of your personal information, such as removing your name from the public directory, the publicly available Dean’s List, or the Commencement program. You will be reminded to review any privacy restrictions before you enroll in classes every spring and fall as part of the Pre-Enrollment Checklist.
To learn more about data regulations that universities must follow when it comes to managing and sharing your data, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, visit on FERPA for Students.
This article is a part of a larger event, UW–Madison’s Love Data Week 2026, which runs from Monday, February 9, to Friday, February 13, and provides an opportunity to explore, share, and celebrate all things data. The Office of Data, Academic Planning & Institutional Research (DAPIR) and the University Libraries at UW-Madison proudly sponsor UW–Madison’s Love Data Week, which includes a partnership with Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA).