THE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)

What is FERPA?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that gives students various rights with respect to their educational records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.

In order for our college offices to release any student information to anyone other than the student, the person must be authorized under the FERPA release form.

Before you begin the semester, we ask all students to complete the FERPA Release Form located in Tiger Portal.

Student Rights under FERPA

• The right to provide written consent before any disclosure of personally identifiable information from their education records, except to the extent that FERPA allows disclosure without consent.

• The right to inspect and review their education records within 45 day of submitting a written request to the College.

• The right to request amendment to their education records believed to be inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of privacy rights as defined by FERPA.

• The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education regarding alleged failures by the College to comply with FERPA requirements.

Education Records

Education records are any records maintained by the College which contain information that is personally identifiable to a student regardless of format or medium.

The following exceptions are not considered part of a student’s education record:

• Sole Possession Records (e.g., private notes a faculty member or advisor keeps)

• Law Enforcement Records

• Employment Records (excluding employment derived from a student status)

• Medical/Psychological Records

• Alumni Records (records created after a student has graduated or left the College).

Prior written consent from the student is not required under the following circumstances:

• In the event the College’s directory information is published and the student has not requested that such information be withheld.

• A student is classified as dependent under the Internal Revenue Code, and the parents are requesting information.

• A student has violated the College’s alcohol or drug policies and was under age 21 at the time of the violation, parents can be notified. A College Official with a legitimate educational interest has requested information on the student.

• In the event, an Official at another Institution in which the student seeks to enroll, has requested information.

• In the event a health or safety emergency occurs, it is necessary to protect the student or others.

• In the event financial aid lenders seek to check the enrollment status for loan purposes.

• In the event, authorized representatives of the: Secretary of the United States Department of Education, Office of the United States Comptroller General, and State and Local Education authorities request information as part of an audit or program review.

• In response to a court order and/or subpoena after reasonable effort to notify eligible student (unless ordered not to contact the student by the Court); or

• In the event an alleged victim of any crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense requests the results of the College’s judicial proceedings regarding such an alleged offense.