Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974
What is the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)?
FERPA deals specifically with the educational records of students who reach the age of 18 or who attend a postsecondary institution, granting them certain rights with respect to these records. The student has the right to:
- inspects and reviews their educational records;
- seeks to amend their educational records if appropriate;
- has some control over the disclosure of information from those records.
To what educational institutions do the regulations apply?
FERPA applies to all educational agencies and institutions that receive funds under any program administered by the Secretary of Education.
Who is considered a student?
A student is any person who attends or has attended Blackburn College.
What are education records?
Records containing a student’s name, social security number, student number, or other personally identifiable information are covered by FERPA unless identified in the Act’s excluded categories. An education record is any record in whatever form (handwritten, taped, print, film or other medium), which is maintained by the College and is directly related to a student. Exceptions include:
- personal records kept by a College employee if the record is not revealed to others and is kept in the sole possession of the employee;
- student employment records that related exclusively to the student in the capacity of a College staff employee (does not apply to Work Program records);
- records maintained separately from educational records solely for law enforcement agencies of the same jurisdiction;
- counseling records maintain by the College Chaplain or the College Counselor;
- medical records maintained by the College solely for treatment and made available only to those persons providing treatment; and
- Alumni Office records.
When may student educational record information be disclosed?
The College will disclose “non-directory” information contained in a student’s educational record only with written consent of the student, with the following exceptions:
- to school officials, including instructors, who have a legitimate educational interest in the records;
- to officials on another school in which the student seeks or intends to enroll;
- to federal, state and local agencies and authorities as provided under law;
- to the parents of an eligible student if the student is clamed as a dependant for income tax purposes;
- accrediting organizations;
- to comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena; and
- mergencies affecting the health or safety of the student or other persons.
What is Directory Information?
Disclosure of directory information may be made without the student’s consent. Directory information includes the student’s name, school and permanent address, school and permanent home telephone number, school mail box address, major, dates of attendance, degree(s) received and dates of conferral, weight and height of athletes.
The “Faces Book” is considered to be Blackburn College’s public directly. A housing roster is distributed to College offices, and is for internal use only.
What if the student does not want Directory Information released?
A student who wishes to have directory information withheld must complete a Registration Information Card each semester. The student will have the option of withholding or releasing directory information and Dean’s List information. Students who do not want the College to release directory information will be flagged on the CAMS system.
What may I, as a faculty of staff member, disclose to others?
What may I, as a faculty or staff member, disclose only Directory Information providing then have evidence that the student has not restricted the release of information. Faculty and staff members must check the CAMS system prior to releasing any directory information.
Can non-directory information be released?
Other information may be released with the student’s written consent. Such written consent must (a) specify the groups to be released, (b) state the purpose of the disclosure. (c) Identify the party or class of parties to whom disclosure may be made, and (d) be signed and selection
What penalties can be imposed for non-compliance with the Act?
Non-compliance may terminate the institution's eligibility to receive Federal funding.
Where may I obtain more information on FERPA?
Policy may be found in the Student Handbook, or call The Registrar's Office of Dean of Students Office.
