Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974: FERPA

FERPA stands for the “Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.” You might also hear it referred to as the “Buckley Amendment.” This law protects the privacy of student education records. FERPA applies to all schools that received funds through an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education, and thus most colleges and universities are covered by FERPA.

FERPA defines the phrase “education record” broadly as “those records, files, documents, and other materials which 1) contain information directly related to a student; and 2) are maintained by an educational institution.”

FERPA requires that education records be kept confidential. Records may be disclosed with the consent of the student, if the disclosure meets one of the statutory exemptions, or if the disclosure is directory information and the student has not placed a hold on the release of directory information.

Please visit the Registrar website for further information on FERPA, including the authorization to release information.

Directory Information

Material classified as “directory” information can be released without student consent. Directory information, as defined by the College, includes the following: the student’s name, date/place of birth, photographs, periods of enrollment, degrees, awards and honors received, major fields, campus or home address, email address, student class schedules, telephone numbers, height/weight of student athletes and the most recent previous educational institution attended by the student. A student may, however, have all of the information withheld upon written notice to the Office of the Registrar given within ten (10) days after the beginning of each semester.

USA Patriot Act and FERPA

This Act permits designated federal officials to apply for a court order to obtain copies of student records relevant to an investigation of terrorism or other crimes, without notifying the student. All requests for such information should be referred to the Office of General Counsel.

Parental/Guardian Notification

The purpose of a Parental Notification is to enhance campus safety, student health, and wellness.

In accordance with the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, the College is permitted to disclose to the parents/guardians of a student who is under age 21 information regarding the student’s violation of any federal, state, or local law or policy of the College governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance and the College has determined through the discipline process that the student was found responsible for a violation of such possession or use. The College will use discretion as to whether or not to disclose to parents/guardians on a case-by-case basis.

Additional circumstances in which the College would notify parents/ guardians cannot be completely enumerated. However, where not prohibited, if a true health or safety emergency exists, in order to protect the student or others, the College may make notification to parents/guardians when feasible.