THE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)
THE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL
RIGHTS & PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) ensures the confidentiality of student records and provides students with specific rights regarding their educational information. This federal law, also known as the Buckley Amendment, applies to all schools that receive federal funds.
Key student rights under FERPA
For students attending a postsecondary institution like Morris College, the rights under FERPA transfer from the parents to the student, regardless of age. An eligible student has the right to:
- Inspect and review their education records: Students can submit a written request to the Registrar’s office to access and review their academic records.
- Request an amendment of records: If a student believes their education records are inaccurate or misleading, they can formally request an amendment. If the college declines, the student has the right to a hearing.
- Control the disclosure of personally identifiable information: Students have the right to consent to the disclosure of information from their records, with certain exceptions as permitted by law.
- File a complaint: If a student believes the college has failed to comply with FERPA requirements, they have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education.
Directory information and privacy holds:
Morris College may release “directory information” without a student’s consent unless the student has requested that this information be withheld. This can include details such as:
- Name
- Email address
- Field of study
- Dates of attendance
Students can place a privacy hold to prevent the release of their directory information.
Disclosures without consent Under FERPA, some disclosures of educational records are allowed without a student’s consent. These include disclosures made to:
- School officials: Employees with a “legitimate educational interest,” meaning they have a need to know the information to fulfill their job responsibilities.
- Other schools: Institutions where the student is seeking to enroll.
- Parents: If the student is a dependent for tax purposes.
- Financial aid providers: In connection with financial aid applications.
- Health or safety emergencies: To protect the health or safety of the student or others.
The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
600 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605
More information regarding FERPA can be found here.