What is FERPA?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, commonly known as FERPA, is a federal law governing the privacy of educational records. It grants specific rights to current and former students and sets restrictions on how schools may handle educational records. FERPA requires that schools obtain written permission from students before releasing educational records. Exceptions to this include situations in which the health and safety of the student is involved, or when a student has been placed on academic probation.  In certain well-defined circumstances, some information may be released without written permission from the student (please see directory information below). 

College officials with a legitimate educational interest may also have access to a student's education records without prior consent. The complete policy on privacy of records is contained in Non Satis Non Scire, the student handbook.

What is an education record?

The definition of an education record under FERPA is broad. It essentially refers to any record that is directly related to a student and that is kept by the college or someone acting on behalf of the college from which an individual student, or students, can be personally (individually) identified. Records can include: files, documents and materials in any medium (handwritten, tape, disks, film, microfilm, microfiche, email, etc.)

FERPA gives each student the following rights:

• The right to see educational records the school is keeping on the student.
• The right to seek amendment to those records.
• The right to consent to any disclosure of those records.
• The right to file a complaint with the FERPA office in Washington, D.C.

Note: When a student reaches the age of 18 or begins attending a postsecondary institution regardless of age, FERPA rights transfer to the student.

Directory Information

The items below are considered directory information and may be released to third parties at the discretion of the institution. Students may request that directory information be withheld. Since there are important consequences of such a request, students must consult with the director of central records.

• Name
• Primary address and phone number
• Campus box number and phone
• Campus email address
• ID photo
• Dates of attendance
• Field of concentration
• Name of advisor
• Participation in officially recognized activities/course enrollment
• Dates, titles, and committees of Divisional projects
• Most recent educational institution attended

Restricted Information

Upon matriculation, we ask that students complete an online 'privacy of records' form on theHub regarding parent or guardian access, which they may change at any time. Students indicate whether we may release general information on academic progress to parents or guardians and whether, upon request, we may send them copies of their evaluations. Other third parties may also obtain non-directory information if the student has signed a release.