FERPA Policy

DAOF hero banner

FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records and personally identifiable information (PII). FERPA applies to all schools receiving funds from programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education.

FERPA provides parents and eligible students with certain rights regarding education records. An eligible student is a student who has reached 18 years of age or is attending a postsecondary institution. In most cases, FERPA rights transfer from the parent to the student when the student becomes an eligible student.

Parents and eligible students have the right to:

  • Inspect and review the student’s education records;
  • Request amendment of records they believe are inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s privacy rights;
  • Consent to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from education records, except where FERPA permits disclosure without consent;
  • Receive information about the school’s Directory Information policy and opt-out procedures; and
  • File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education regarding an alleged FERPA violation.

The school will respond to requests to inspect and review education records within a reasonable timeframe and no later than 45 days after receiving the request. The school is not generally required to provide copies of records unless circumstances prevent the parent or eligible student from reviewing them in person. Applicable fees may be charged for copies as permitted by law.

Generally, the school must obtain written consent before disclosing personally identifiable information from a student’s education records. FERPA permits disclosure without consent in certain circumstances, including:

  • School officials with a legitimate educational interest;
  • Approved contractors or service providers performing institutional services for the school;
  • Schools or postsecondary institutions to which a student seeks or intends to enroll;
  • Officials conducting authorized audits or evaluations;
  • Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid;
  • Organizations conducting qualifying studies on behalf of the school;
  • Accrediting organizations;
  • Compliance with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
  • Health or safety emergencies;
  • State and local authorities as authorized by law; and
  • Other disclosures specifically permitted under FERPA.

Directory Information

The school may designate certain student information as “Directory Information” in accordance with FERPA and applicable state requirements. Parents and eligible students have the right to opt out of the disclosure of directory information. (FERPA Opt Out Notification Form)

Types of Directory Information:

  • Student’s Name
  • Telephone Number(s)
  • Major Field of Study
  • School Grade Level
  • Parent’s Name
  • School-Sponsored Activities/Sports
  • Date of Birth
  • Residential Address
  • Place of Birth
  • Height/Weight of Athletes
  • Degrees & Awards*
  • Dates of School Attendance

The school’s annual FERPA notice includes the types of information designated as directory information, the opt-out process, and applicable deadlines. The school will not disclose directory information for students whose parent or eligible student has submitted a valid opt-out request.

For questions regarding FERPA rights, education records, amendment requests, disclosures, or directory information opt-outs, please contact the school’s FERPA point of contact at [email protected].

For additional information, you may call 1.800.USA.LEARN (1.800.872.5327) (voice). Individuals who use TDD may use the Federal Relay Service.

Or you may contact us at the following address:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue,
SW Washington, D.C. 20202-8520