FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.
FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level.
Rights provide by FERPA are:
To inspect and review the student's education records maintained by the school. Schools are not required to provide copies of records unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible students to review the records. Schools may charge a fee for copies.
To request that a school correct records which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information.
Generally, schools must have written permission from the eligible student in order to release any information from a student's education record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions:
School officials with legitimate educational interest;
Other schools to which a student is transferring;
Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes;
Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;
Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;
Accrediting organizations;
To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and
State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.
Schools may disclose, without consent, "directory" information. At Fort Hays State University, directory information consists of the students:
Name
Address
E-Mail address
Telephone number
Date and place of birth
Major Field of study
Participation in officially recognized activities
Weight and height of athletic team members
Dates of attendance
Degrees
Awards received
Most recent previous educational institution attended
Students have the right to notify the institution they do not want any or all of the types of information listed above to be designated as directory information. To do so, please complete and submit the Student Privacy Form to the Registrar's Office, Fort Hays State University, 302 Picken Hall, Hays, KS 67601.
Students who wish to authorize the release of education records information may do so by completing the Student Authorization for Release of Education Records Form.