Privacy and Disclosure of Student Records (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (also known as FERPA) is a federal law
that affords students at institutions of higher education the right to have access
to their education records, the right to seek to have the records amended, and the
right to have some control over the disclosure of personally identifiable information
from the education records.
Does a student have the right to inspect and review records maintained by the University
that directly relate to him or her?
Yes, subject to certain narrow exceptions, each student has the right to inspect and
review all of his or her education records.
- Generally, a student who would like to inspect or review his or her education records
is able to do so by making an informal request directly to the Univeristy office or
official who maintains the records.
- A student who would like to make a request pursuant to his or her rights under FERPA
to inspect or review his or her education records should do so through the online request form or by directly contacting the University's Compliance Officer.
What records are covered by a student's right to inspect and review?
Subject to very limited exceptions and exclusions, a student has the right to inspect
and review all records that are directly related to the student and maintained by
the University or by someone acting for the University.
- The University is not required to permit a student to inspect and review records such
as the student's parents' financial records, certain letters of recommendation, or
law enforcement records. But the general rule is that the student is permitted to inspect and review all records that meet the general definition.
- If a University official believes that a student should not be permitted to review
certain records that the student has requested, the University official should contact
the Office of General Counsel as soon as possible.
Is there any way for a student to request that the University fix errors or mistakes
in the student's records?
Yes, it is possible for a student to request that the University amend the student's
records.
- If a student believes the education records relating to the student contain information
that is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student's rights of privacy,
he or she may ask the University to amend the record.
- Requests should be submitted to the University official who serves as the record holder
of the official copy. If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the record
holder, the student may appeal through the online request for hearing form or by directly contacting the University's Compliance Officer.
When may the University disclose personally identifiable information about a student?
Except as permitted by University policy and FERPA, the University will not disclose
personally identifiable information from a student's education records unless the
student has provided a signed and dated written consent prior to the disclosure.
- The University may disclose student records and personally identifiable information
to other University officials, including professors and instructors, whom the University
has determinated have a legitimate educational interest.
- The University generally may disclose 'directory information' about a student.
- The University may disclose de-identified records and information, where the information
that would identify a student has been removed.
- The University may disclose student records and personally identifiable information
in other, very limited, circumstances that are specified in law and University policy.
What is 'directory information,' which generally can be disclosed?
'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, but is not limited to, the student's name, address,
telephone listing, electronic mail address, photograph, date and place of birth, major
field of study, grade level, enrollment status, dates of attendance, participation
in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic
teams, degrees, honors, and awards received, and the most recent educational agency
or institution attended.
- The University may disclose directory information without a student's consent, unless
the student has exercised his or her right to opt out. A student may exercise his
or her right to opt out by contacting the Office of the Registrar.
Where can the University's FERPA policies be found?
University policies are housed in a central location overseen by the Office of General
Counsel.