Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

Student Rights Under FERPA

FERPA requires that schools comply with the following rights associated with student records:

• Students' right to notice: The College is required to inform students of their rights under FERPA. Student rights can be found on the college website, in the catalog and in the quarterly class schedule.
• Students' right to review: Students have the right to review and inspect their educational records, with the following exceptions. 1) financial records of the student's parents, 2) documents that may contain personal information about other students.
• Students' right to amendment: If a student believes that the content of their records is inaccurate or misleading an amendment to the records may be requested.
• Students' right to non-disclosure: FERPA mandates that students have the right to non-disclosure of personally identifiable information. Regulations define disclosure as, "to permit access to or the release, transfer, or other communication of personally identifiable information contained in the education records to any party, by any means, including oral, written, or electronic means." Be careful with conversations you may have, even with other employees, if that conversation might be heard by other students or people not permitted access to the information you are discussing.
• Students' right to withhold directory information: Students may withhold directory information by completing a form located in the Enrollment Services Office.

Students who believe their FERPA rights have been violated may file a written complaint with the:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue SW
Washington DC 20202-4605

They may also contact Rae Ellen Reas, Sr, Associate Dean for Enrollment and Financial Services. Located in Lynnwood Hall, (425) 640-1401.