Some commenters were correct that the database can be examined by instructors and BOC for all sorts of data, including ratings (see edited database entry at right). Yet, despite the fact that some 100+ individuals can spend their nights looking through the database, downloading it, and shoving it up each other's arses, that data is not available to the public. Why? because some of it is supposedly protected by FERPA as part of students' educational records. Some of it, mind you, not all of it, but data for non-students isn't released either.
Hiding behind FERPA allows Hoofers and the UW to hide malfeasance such as ratings that were not earned, ratings that disappeared (e.g. were removed maliciously), libelous comments by instructors, damning statistics, etc. Greater transparency would benefit the vast majority, maybe even Hoofers itself; only those individuals who got their ratings on the sly and a few others who are up to no good benefit from hiding this data. Are sailing lessons in a public club part of one's educational record? They don't seem like the same thing as grades you receive in class, which definitely are not public record.
For those unfamiliar, the image above is one person's entry from the database, with personal info & details altered so the individual can't be identified. Notice the comments and ratings sections (also changed to protect the guilty). The info isn't always 100% complete but can generally be used to tally ratings.
Having personal info in there, e.g. phone number and address, also allows unscrupulous male instructors & BOC to stalk cute female club members, like a UWPD police captain did a couple of years ago to a terrified woman using a restricted law enforcement database. And he's just the one they caught--other cops undoubtedly do the same thing and get away with it. If police officers are willing to do that, you can bet Hoofer employees are too. Is there even a rule against a male instructor using the database to track down a girl he'd like to jump..?
No wonder certain webmasters and others pushed to have everyone's photo and personal info in a big database. If I were an undergraduate woman, I certainly wouldn't provide my address when I join HSC. That is, if someone managed to talk me into joining in the first place.
