STUDENT EDUCATIONAL RECORD
WHAT IS FERPA? FERPA, The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, is the a federal law that pertains to the release of and access to student educational records.
Who does FERPA apply too? FERPA rights apply to a student, a person who is or who has been attending this institution regardless of age.
How does it apply to me as a student? FERPA applies to personally identifiable information in educational records. Personal identifiable information includes items such as the student's name, social security numbers, and personal characteristics or other information that make the student identity easily accessible or traceable.
What are Educational Records? They are all records that contain information that is directly related to a students and that maintained by an educational agency or institution or by a party acting on its behalf. By definition educational record means any information recorded in any way, including but not limited to handwriting, print, tape, film, microfilm, microfiche and digital image.
What is not included in my educational record?
- Sole possession records (note kept in sole possession of the the maker: ex. personal notes or personal memory aids)
- Medical or psychological treatment records
- Employment records, where the employment is not dependant on being student
- Law Enforcement records
- Records that may be collected after an individual is not a students at this institution
What are my rights under FERPA as a student? A student has the right to
Inspect and review their educational record; request to make amendments to their information if their inaccuracy on record; right to have some control over disclosure of information from his or her educational record
As a student do I have the right to and change my educational records?
Upon written request, the University shall provide a student access to his or her educational records except
for financial records of the student's parents or legal guardian; and confidential letters of recommendation
where the student has signed a waiver of right of access. If the records contain information on more than one
student, the requesting student may inspect, review or be informed on only the specific information about his
or her own records. Educational Records are normally made available to student within forty to forty-five days
from the date requested. The contents of the student's educational records may be challenged by the student on
the grounds that they are inaccurate, misleading or other wise in violation of the privacy rights of the student
by the submitting a written statement to the custodian of the records. A student may obtain copies of their
records of 10 cent per page, unofficial transcripts from other institutions $2 per page, and unofficial copy of
transcript at no charge, and official transcript at the charge of $7.00.
Under FERPA what is considered Directory Information?
FERPA identifies certain information as directory information, which can be disclosed without the student's permission. Here is what the University defines as directory information:
Student's Name , address, telephone listing, electronic mail address date and place of birth, photographs participation in official recognized activities and sports Field of study weight and height of athlete Enrollment Status ( Full-,part-time, undergraduate, graduate) degree & awards received dates of attendance most recent previous school attended
How can I keep from having my directory information released?
Students may have any or all directory information withheld by notifying the Office
of the Registrar in writing each semester during the first 12 days of class of a fall or spring semester or the
first 4 class days of a summer semester. A request to withhold information may be submitted after the stated
deadline for a term, but information may be released between the deadline and receipt of the request. A student
who has asked to be excluded from any directory information release will remain flagged until the student requests
that the flag be removed.
Who has access to student educational records? FERPA, non-directory information may not be released without written consent from the students.
The following are exceptions and may have the right to see your educational records pertaining legitimate Educational interest or duties:
The appropriate University administrators, Faculty members or staff member who requires access to educational records in order to perform their legitimate educational duties; officials of other schools from other institutions in which the student intends to enroll; and in connection with that student's application for or receipt of Financial Aid.
Define Legitimate Educational interest or duties? is access to education records by the appropriate University administrator ,faculty , or staff who requires access in order to perform their official duties and business.
Details on the University’s policies and procedures on the access to student records can be found in the University’s Handbook of Operating Procedures, Part VI Section 15. This can be found at the following internet address: www.utpb.edu.
Complaints regarding alleged failure to comply with the provision of the FERPA may be submitted in writing to the Family Policy Compliance Office , U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independent Avenue S.W. , Washington , D.C. 20202-4605
|
![[Follow this link to go to content]](/newsite/background/dot_clear.gif){kind=small}
