PAP.7.8.100 Confidentiality

(a) In the course of performing duties for the School, employees may obtain or become aware of confidential information, such as personnel, financial and legal information of the School, its programs, operations, enterprises and employees, including but not limited to information encompassed in any reports, investigations, research or development work, mailing lists, bid lists, directories, listings, plans, specifications, proposals, marketing plans, financial projections, cost sheets, bid estimates, bid spreadsheets, vendor or subcontractor quotes, financial data and any and all concepts or ideas, materials or information related to the business, products, or services of the School or its customers and vendors ("Confidential Information").

(b) Employees must hold all Confidential Information in strict confidence and shall not directly or indirectly disclose Confidential Information or permit the release thereof to any outside person or entity except as necessary to perform employment duties or as otherwise required by law. If any question arises about whether information must be treated as confidential, employees must treat such information as confidential until confirmed otherwise by their department head or director, in consultation with the legal department.

(c) Employees also must not use or release, directly or indirectly, any proprietary information or trade secrets of the School without prior authorization from their department head or director, in consultation with the legal department. Trade secrets include any formula, pattern or devise of compilation of information which is used in the School's business or operations.

(d) Violations of confidentiality, including the disclosure of confidential information (verbal, written or documents) as defined under this section shall be subject to discipline, up to and including termination. The School reserves the right to prosecute any violations to fullest extent allowed under tribal, state or federal law.