Williamson Student Handbook 2024-25 | Page 27

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS & PRIVACY ACT ( FERPA )

What is FERPA ?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 , commonly referred to as FERPA , is a federal law designed to protect the privacy of a student ’ s educational record . FERPA applies to all educational agencies or institutions that receive federal funding . FERPA also applies to private entities that contract to perform services for the college that it would otherwise undertake to perform on its own ; in such cases , the private entity must observe the same FERPA protections applicable to the college . FERPA grants adult students ( 18 and older ) the following rights :

• The right to inspect and review their educational records ;

• The right to seek the amendment of their educational records ;

• The right to consent to the disclosure of their educational records ;

• The right to obtain a copy of their school ’ s Student Records Policy ;

• The right to file a complaint with the FERPA Office in Washington , D . C .

FERPA Basics

With only a few exceptions , student educational records are considered confidential and may not be released without the written consent of the student .

Faculty or staff members have a responsibility to protect educational records in their possession . Additionally , faculty or staff members may only access information that is needed for legitimate completion of their responsibilities as a college employee .

What is an Education Record ?

Education Records include any information or data recorded in any medium including , but not limited to , handwriting , print , tapes , film , email , microfilm , and microfiche , which is directly related to a student and maintained by the college or by a person acting for the college . Examples of an Education Record include :

• Admissions information for students who are accepted and enrolled ;

• Biographical information including date and place of birth , gender , nationality , information about race and ethnicity , and identification photographs ;

• Grades , test scores , evaluations , courses taken , academic specialization and activities , and official communications regarding a student ’ s status ;

• Course work including papers and exams , class schedules , as well as written , email or recorded communications that are part of the academic process ;

• Disciplinary records ;

• Students ’ financial and financial aid records ;

• Internship program records .

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