FERPA: Student Rights and Privacy

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Questions and Answers

According to FERPA, what rights are granted to students regarding their educational records?

  • The right to destroy their records after graduation.
  • The right to inspect, request changes, and control the release of their records. (correct)
  • The right to allow parents unrestricted access to their records.
  • The right to have their records automatically released to any institution they apply to.

Which situation exemplifies 'legitimate educational interest' as defined by FERPA?

  • A neighbor requests to know a student's grades from a professor.
  • A student's parent calls to inquire about their child's attendance record.
  • An academic advisor accesses a student's transcript to assist them with course selection. (correct)
  • A campus security officer checks a student's enrollment status because of a noise complaint.

Under FERPA guidelines, what is the procedure if a staff member is uncomfortable releasing student information?

  • They should release the information only if requested by the student's parents.
  • They are compelled to release the information regardless of their comfort level.
  • They should refer the request to the Office of the Registrar or the college registrar. (correct)
  • They should consult with the college president before making a decision.

According to FERPA, which piece of information is typically classified as directory information and can be released without student consent?

<p>Student's name and dates of attendance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should a staff member do if they receive a subpoena requesting student information?

<p>Forward the subpoena to the registrar's office for handling. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a student has prohibited the release of directory information, how might this be indicated to staff members accessing the student's record?

<p>A text box will appear on the eStaff menu indicating not to release any information. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who has the rights to control a student's educational records once they enter a post-secondary institution, regardless of who pays the bills?

<p>The student. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action can a student take to prevent the release of their directory information?

<p>Sign a form prohibiting the release of directory information. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If an external agency requests information about a student, what is the appropriate procedure according to FERPA guidelines?

<p>Refer them to the Office of the Registrar or the college registrar. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where can you locate Mike Hutley, the college registrar, and what is his contact extension?

<p>Building R-112, extension 4177 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios requires a 'legitimate educational interest' to access a student's record under FERPA?

<p>An instructor accessing a student's grades to provide academic support. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of FERPA?

<p>To protect the privacy of student educational records. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstance is the college registrar's office considered the official custodian of student records?

<p>Whenever there are questions about what student information can be released. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

FERPA was established in what year?

<p>1974 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of directory information not mentioned in the provided materials?

<p>Student's email address (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A staff member receives a call from a student's aunt requesting confirmation of the student's enrollment. How should the staff member respond, keeping in mind the requirements of FERPA?

<p>Refer the aunt to the Office of the Registrar. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A faculty member wants to use student photos from a class project on the department website. What considerations should they take into account based on FERPA guidelines?

<p>They must obtain written consent from each student before using their photo. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A student believes that some information in their educational record is inaccurate. According to FERPA, what is their right regarding this information?

<p>They can request changes or amendments to the information. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under FERPA guidelines, what is considered the MOST appropriate action when dealing with uncertainty about releasing student information?

<p>Referring the inquiry to the Office of the Registrar for guidance. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential consequence if a college violates a student's FERPA rights?

<p>The student has the right to file a complaint if they believe the college has violated their privacy. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is FERPA?

A federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.

What rights do students have under FERPA?

The right to inspect, request amendments, control release, and file complaints regarding their student records.

What is directory information?

Information that the institution can release without student authorization, such as name, address, dates of attendance, etc.

What is 'legitimate educational interest'?

A valid educational reason for an employee to access a student's records.

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Do parents have access to their child's records?

They do not have access, as the student controls their records once they enter a post-secondary institution.

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Can students prohibit directory information release?

Students can prevent the institution from releasing any directory information about them.

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What should staff do if they are uncomfortable releasing information?

Refer them to the Office of the Registrar or the college registrar.

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What is the role of the Registrar's Office?

The official custodian of student records.

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Study Notes

  • Mike Hutley, the college registrar, welcomes everyone to Santa Fe College.
  • The discussion will cover the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, known as FERPA.

FERPA Rights

  • FERPA grants students rights to their student records.
  • The right to inspect their records.
  • The ability to request changes or amendments to these records.
  • Control over the release of their records.
  • The right to file a complaint if they believe the college has violated their privacy.

Directory Information

  • FERPA designates certain information as directory information that can be released without student authorization.
  • Examples of directory information include: dates of attendance, name, telephone number, address.
  • Additional examples: height and weight (if on athletic teams), and organizations they belonged to as a student.

Legitimate Educational Interest

  • Accessing a student's record requires a "legitimate educational interest".
  • Legitimate educational interest means an employee must have a valid educational reason to access a student's records.
  • If someone calls from across campus asking about a student but has no educational interest (e.g., the student is not in their class or office), access is not allowed under FERPA.
  • Checking on a student because a neighbor requested it is not a legitimate educational interest.

Parent Access

  • Parents do not have access to student records, even if they pay the student's bills.
  • Once a student enters a post-secondary institution, the student controls their records.

Prohibiting Directory Information Release

  • Students can prohibit the release of directory information.
  • By signing a form, a student can prevent the institution from releasing any directory information about them.
  • If a student has opted out, a text box will appear on the eStaff menu indicating not to release any information, or even disclose that the person is a student.

Handling Information Requests

  • Staff should not release information if they are uncomfortable doing so.
  • FERPA does not compel the release of information that staff are not comfortable sharing.
  • The exception to this, is if the information is being obtained via subpeona, which runs through the registrar's office
  • Individuals or agencies seeking information should be referred to the Office of the Registrar or the college registrar.
  • Mike Hutley is located in building R-112 and can be reached at extension 4177.
  • The registrar's office is the official custodian of student records, so contact them with any questions about what can be released.

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