FERPA FAQ

Owned by Darshani Paralikar
Last updated: Aug 01, 2024 by Aeoleon Bryant
2 min read

What is FERPA?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 provide students with the rights to inspect and review their official educational records, to request corrections, and to limit access to such records. Students have the right to withhold the disclosure.


Who is protected under FERPA?

Current or formerly enrolled students are protected under FERPA. Students who have applied but have not enrolled are not protected.


What are educational records?

Educational records are those records maintained by the institution or its authorized agent(s) that are directly related to a student.


What are medium types?

  1. Any medium such as handwriting, electronic, microfilm, print, tapes, and file.

  2. Records may include administrations, cumulative academic records, financial aid, and disciplinary actions.

 

Canvas Student Services directory information includes:

  • Name, Student ID, and email address.

  • Further privacy and policy information can be found here.

 

Under what conditions and to whom may student/faculty educational records and personal information be released?

  • To the student and to any outside party who has the student's written, signed consent.

  • To school officials who have "legitimate educational interests" as defined in FERPA.

  • Under a judicial order or subpoena. A reasonable effort must be made to contact the student before complying with the order.

 

Under what conditions may personal information from an educational record be released?

A signed, dated consent must be obtained from the student before any disclosure other than directory information is made.


Why is FERPA important?

  • Defines rights of students!

  • Provides guidelines for college officials and their authorized agents!

  • Addresses key issues of privacy and freedom of information!

 

How can I receive additional information regarding FERPA?

Contact:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Dept. of Education
400 Maryland Ave, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202
tel: 1-855-249-3072

Or you can submit a help ticket through https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/contact