Understanding FERPA - Basic Rules

What are the Basic Rules? 

1. Student educational records are considered confidential and may not be released without the written consent of the student.
   
   
2. As a faculty or staff member you have a responsibility to protect educational records in your possession.
   
   
3. Some information is considered public (sometimes called "Directory Information").  This info can be released without the student's written permission.  However, the student may opt to consider this info confidential as well.  UCC defines certain information as directory information and this information may be released to a third party upon a written request.  This is:  name, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, participation in officially recognized activities & sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, and most recent previous educational agency or institution attended.
   
   
4. You have access to information only for legitimate use in completion of your responsibilities as a college employee.  Need to know is the basic principle.
   
   
5. If you are ever in doubt, do not release any information until you talk to the office responsible for student records.  Call the Registrar's Office at 440-4616, or refer the request to that office.

For Faculty guidelines please use this link.

Otherwise let's apply what you have learned.