Access to Student Education Records
In general , the college will not release “ personally identifiable information ” from a student ’ s education record without the student ’ s prior written consent provided through a Student Consent Form , available through the Registrar ’ s Office . However , please note FERPA allows disclosure without student consent under the following circumstances :
• School employees who have a “ legitimate educational interest ” in the records in order to perform their duties ;
• Other schools where a student seeks to enroll or is enrolled ;
• Accrediting organizations ;
• Organizations doing certain studies for or on behalf of the college ;
• Appropriate parties to determine eligibility , amount , or conditions of financial aid , or to enforce the terms and conditions of aid ;
• Certain government officials of the U . S . Department of Education , the Comptroller General , and state and local educational authorities , in connection with an audit , authorized representatives of the U . S . Attorney General for law enforcement purposes or state or federally supported education programs ;
• Individuals who have obtained a judicial order or subpoena ;
• School officials who have a need to know concerning disciplinary action taken against a student .
• Appropriate parties who need to know in cases of health and safety emergencies when necessary to protect the student and / or others ;
• An alleged victim of a crime of violence or non-forcible sexual offense has a right to learn the results of a disciplinary proceeding conducted by the institution against the alleged perpetrator of the crime ;
• Information regarding any violation of college policy or state , federal or local law , governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance may be released to the parents or legal guardian of a student under the age of 21 ;
• Those requesting “ directory information ” on a student provided the student has not requested his or her information be withheld .
Directory Information / What does Williamson give out ?
Williamson designates the following items as directory information : student name , dates of attendance at Williamson , program / field of study , degree received ( including dates ), participating in officially recognized college activities , academic or other college awards or honors received , weight and height of student on athletic teams , students ’ and parents ’ electronic mail addresses , enrollment status , and hometown ( city and state ).
Because directory information is considered public , the college may release such information to anyone without the student ’ s consent provided that the student has not requested a directory restriction .
Restricting Release of Information
The college may disclose to third parties any student information that it has designated as directory information , provided that the student has not restricted such information from disclosure . Students must request a restriction in writing to the Registrar . Students who wish to restrict their names should realize that their names will not appear in the commencement bulletin and other college publications .
Filing a FERPA Complaint
Students have a right to file a complaint with the U . S . Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the college to comply with the requirements of FERPA .
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