student record confidentiality

In compliance with the FERPA, students have certain rights in regard to their educational records. FERPA stand for The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (sometimes called the Buckley Amendment) passed by Congress in 1974. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. This Act grants four specific rights to the student with respect to their education records. These rights are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the College receives a request for access. Students should submit to the registrar a written request that identifies the records they wish to inspect. The College official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2. The right to request an amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the College and clearly identify the part of the record they want amended or changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. Grades cannot be appealed through FERPA. If the college decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the College will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request.
3. The right to consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s educational record. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Note: Information can not be disclosed to a parent or guardian without either written permission from the student or proof that the student was claimed as a dependent on the most recent federal income tax form.
4. The right to file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO) in Washington D.C. concerning denial of rights.

Directory Information

FERPA permits release of “directory information” without authorization unless the student notifies the Registrar’s Office in writing. Directory information means information contained in an education record of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. Directory information includes the student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, dates of attendance, grade level, previous institutions attended, major field of study, awards, honors (including President’s List), degree conferred (including dates), participation in officially recognized activities and sports, and photograph.

You may visit the FERPA website for additional information at www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/index.htm