No one outside of CCR will have access to information about your communications CCR without your consent, except as described in "Exceptions to Confidentiality.” Law enforcement, school administration or faculty, Student Health Service staff not affiliated with Campus Civil Rights. CCR will not contact family members unless you permit us. In addition, you can remain anonymous in your interactions with CCR, if you prefer.

Are There Exceptions to Confidentiality?

Exceptions to confidentiality include:

  • Legally required reports in cases of child or elder abuse
  • Threats of imminent harm to self
  • Others in circumstances detailed in Montana's child/elder abuse reporting laws, mental health law, and duty to warn law.

Because the details of these statutes are complex, CCR staff and peer resource advocates must discuss such client disclosures immediately with their supervisor. If specific legal conditions are found to have been met, notification of authorities is mandated by state law.

An additional exception to confidentiality is if the University receives a subpoena or court order to disclose confidential information. In such circumstances, the University has demonstrated its commitment to individual privacy rights and is prepared to oppose any subpoenas for which CCR does not have the client's authorization to release the information. However, despite the University's efforts, a court could mandate the release of the records. If all efforts to protect the records fail, the University would comply with the order at that point.

What's the Difference Between Anonymity & Confidentiality?

To be anonymous means that you do not give your name to the CCR employee or advocate with whom you speak (or you use a pseudonym), and your name will not appear on any records of your interactions with CCR. Confidentiality means informing CCR of your name, and all records of your interactions with CCR will be kept in a confidential file that is only accessible to CCR staff. It is possible to switch from anonymous to confidential records; however, it is not possible to switch from being confidential to being anonymous.

Which Option Should I Choose?

There are many things to consider in making the decision whether to be anonymous or confidential. Such considerations may include the potential for you to be involved in court cases, your desire for services other than those offered by CCR, and any need for documentation of your interactions. 

Either option may have potential advantages and disadvantages for you. If you choose to be anonymous, it is unlikely that the records of your interactions with CCR would disclosed if you were involved in legal proceedings. However, if you need a copy of your records, it is virtually impossible for CCR to know which of the anonymous records are yours.

If you are anonymous, the services available through CCR are limited to peer advocacy and information. All other services (investigations, referrals to counseling, mutual no-contact orders, referrals to law enforcement, and academic advocacy, including emails to professors or others) require that CCR know your name. However, if you are anonymous, you can always decide to give your name later if you wish to receive these other services.

If you choose to give your name, your records will remain strictly confidential, all CCR services are available to you, and the records of your interactions with CCR will be retrievable if you ever need a copy for yourself or others for documentation.

A resource advocate can always assist you in talking through these different options and answering any questions you have so you can make an informed decision regarding the best option for you.