FERPA

FERPA is a Federal Law, also known as the Buckley amendment. It protects the privacy of a student's educational records. The law applies to all educational agencies or institutions that receive funds under any program administered by the Secretary of Education.

The right to inspect, review, and seek to amend their educational records

Students have access to review their educational records at any time. If a student believes that any information in their record is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of their privacy rights, they may request in writing that the office which contains those records amend them. Educational records are housed in the Office of the Registrar.

The right to file a complaint with the Family Compliance Office in Washington, DC

Students must have access to review their educational records at any time. If students believe that any information in their records is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of their privacy rights, they may request in writing that the office which contains those records amend them. Educational records are housed in the Office of the Registrar.

Students may file a complaint with the Family Compliance Office in Washington, DC if they feel that their rights under FERPA have been violated. Students should contact the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University's Office of the Registrar for information related to filing a complaint.

The right to have directory information withheld

Directory information can be released without written consent of the student. However, FERPA provides that any student may upon written request, restrict the disclosure of directory information relating to themselves. At North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, directory information is defined as:

Student's Name
Address, Permanent and Mailing
College/School
Major
Class
Dates of Attendance
Enrollment Status
Telephone Number
Date of Birth
Participation in Official Recognized Activities
Degrees and Awards Received
Weight and Height of Athletes
Most Recent Previous Educational Institution(s) Attended
Anticipated Date of Graduation

A student may fill out a Non-Disclosure of Academic Records form in the Office of the Registrar during the first week of matriculation at the University if a student desires to have directory information withheld.

The right to consent to the disclosure of educational records

Permission of students must first be obtained before releasing non-directory information. Exceptions to this rule include releasing information to the following:

Officials or faculty of the University who have legitimate educational interest (information needed to fulfill official responsibilities)
Officials of other schools or school systems in which the student seeks to enroll
Certain federal and state educational authorities
Accrediting and University-approved testing agencies - if the student is applying to another school
Appropriate parties in connection with an emergency when the immediate health or safety of the student is threatened
Persons presenting an officially-related judicial order or lawfully-issued subpoena
Institutions from which the student has received, or applied for financial aid

Prior to verification or release of the educational records, the University personnel must contact the Office of the Registrar to ensure that the student has not requested that any record information, including directory information, be disclosed.