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Hero for Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)

Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)

FERPA

The intent of the Act is to protect the rights of students and to insure the privacy and accuracy of education records. The Act applies to all institutions that are recipients of federal aid administered by the Secretary of Education.

If you need to update your FERPA preferences, download the form and email academicaffairs@ferrum.edu or return to John Wesley Hall room 113

What is FERPA?

FERPA stands for the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. FERPA protects the privacy of a student’s educational records and applies to all educational agencies or institutions that receive funds from the U.S. Department of Education. FERPA is also known as the Buckley Amendment and enforced by the Family Policy Compliance Office of the U.S. Department of Education.

Students Rights

  • The right to inspect and review their educational records within 45 days of request
  • The right to request that their educational records be amended if they believe something is inaccurate
  • The right to consent to the disclosure of all non-directory information.
  • Written consent to release non-directory information is NOT required from the student when it involves one of the following situations:
    • A college employee with a legitimate educational interest or education-related “need to know”
    • Other institutions where the student has enrolled or seeks to enroll requesting information on the student
    • U.S. Department of Education, or state/local education authorities
    • In connection with the receipt of student financial aid

Basic Requirements for FERPA

  1. Student educational records are considered confidential and may not be released without the written consent of the student.
    Educational records are NOT:
    1. Records that are in the sole possession of the maker
    2. Police records for law enforcement purpose.
    3. Certain medical or health records used for treatment purposes
    4. Other possible exceptions to alumnae and employment records
  2. Certain information is considered public as defined (within FERPA parameters) by the college (directory information).
    At Ferrum College, directory is defined as:
    • Name
    • Address
    • Email Address
    • Phone number
    • Current Enrollment Status
    • Class Standing
    • Photos and/or Videos participating in E&H Activities
    • Major & Minor Field(s) of study
    • Dates of attendance
    • Expected Graduation Date
    • Honors awarded
    • Height and weight (if an athlete)

Why is FERPA important

Penalties for FERPA violations may include suspension of all federal funds to the University. This could affect the ability of our students to obtain federal financial aid.