Student Rights Under FERPA
What is FERPA?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords you, the student, certain rights with respect to your educational record once you are admitted as a student to the College.
- FERPA Letter to Parents and Students
- LBC FERPA Permission to Release Information Form
What are my rights under FERPA?
As a college student you have four rights under FERPA: (Forms to exercise rights #1-3 are available in the registrar's office)
- To inspect and review your educational record within 45 days of your request.
- To request amendment of your educational record.
- To have some control over the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your educational record, except in the areas that FERPA authorizes disclosure without student consent.
- To file a complaint with the US Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
What documents are included in my educational record?
Student educational records are specifically defined as all paper and computer records, files, documents, and other materials that contain information directly related to you, the student, and maintained by LBC or someone acting for the College according to policy. Excluded from student educational records are records of instructional, supervisory, and administrative personnel in the sole possession of the maker and that are not accessible or revealed to any other person, except a substitute. Additionally, notes of a professor or staff member intended for his/her own use are not part of the educational record, nor are campus security records, parents' financial statements, application records of students not admitted to the College, alumni records, or records of physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, or other recognized professionals.
Educational records are maintained by, but are not limited to the following offices, departments, and/or individuals: Registrar's Office, Financial Aid Office, Business Office, Student Services Office, placement office, and academic advisors.
What is Directory Information?
Some information about students is considered "Directory Information." Directory information may be publicly shared by the institution without student consent unless the student has taken formal action to restrict its release. "Directory Information" at LBC includes: name, address (current, local, home, and electronic mail), telephone number (current, local, and home), date of birth, parent/spouse contact information (address and phone number), photo, major/program, weight and height (athletic teams), date(s) of attendance, enrollment status (full-time, part-time, not enrolled), date(s) of graduation, degrees and awards received, and participation in officially recognized activities and sports.
Can I control the release of Directory Information?
Yes, you can restrict the public release of directory information by completing a form available in the registrar's office. You should carefully consider imposing a restriction on the Directory Information. The limits of the College's student information system make it an all or nothing option. For example, your friends would not be able to obtain your directory information nor would the College be able to use it in graduation programs and news releases. This restriction should be reserved for extreme circumstances or on the advice of a legal or medical professional.
Who and under what circumstances can someone access my educational record?
According to FERPA regulations, no one has access to your educational record (other than directory information) without your written permission, except: (1) a school official (defined as: administrators, faculty, professional staff, staff, student workers, and students serving on official College committees) who has a legitimate education interest (defined as: the information or records requested are relevant and necessary to the accomplishment of some task or determination related to the inquirer's employment responsibilities/committee responsibilities or are acting within the course and scope of their employment and/or authority). (2) a parent or guardian who presents a certified copy of the most recent federal income tax form that reports you as a dependent. Other, less common individuals who may access your educational record without your consent include: (3) authorized representatives of accrediting agencies, as well as federal, state, and local government offices, persons or organizations providing financial aid to a student, (4) persons in compliance with a judicial order or subpoena, (5) persons in an emergency if the protected information is needed to protect the safety of the student or other persons, (6) parents regarding the student's violation of any federal, state, or local law, or any college policy or rule governing the use of alcohol or a controlled substance as long as the institution has determined that there has been a violation and the student is under the age of 21 at the time of disclosure, (7) the victim of an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense (limited to the final results of the disciplinary proceeding conducted by the College), and (8) the public in relation to a determined crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense that violates College policy or rule (disclosure limited to the student's name, the violation, and any sanctions imposed by the institution against the student).
Am I required to use my social security number as a personal identifier?
A Federal court ruling upheld the use of the social security number as a personal identifier for administrative purposes in higher education. We protect the privacy of the social security number as required by FERPA. However, you may request (form available in the Registrar's Office) the assignment of an alternate identification number. Effective January 2002, any new students admitted to LBC will no longer have a social security number as a personal identifier for administrative LBC purposes.
Which College Officer is responsible for administering the FERPA guidelines?
The Office of the Registrar is responsible for the institutional compliance with the FERPA guidelines and maintenance and release of the educational record. Questions, interpretations, further explanations, or concerns about FERPA and the College's FERPA policy are to be directed to the registrar.
How do I file a complaint with the US Department of Education?
Complaints are to be filed with the:
Family Policy Compliance Office
US Department of Education
600 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605