TOP TEN THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT FERPA

IPFW OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR

#10The purpose of FERPA is good! It affords rights to students to:

Inspect and review their education records
(access allowed within 30 days after written request)

Seek changes to these records

Control disclosure of information from their records

File a complaint with the FERPA office in DC

#9IPFW’s policies on release of student information are widely available

Publications such as

Schedule of Classes

Bulletins

Student Handbook

IPFW Academic Regulations and Procedures

#8Student educational records areconfidential! Release only if:

Student has given written consent

Faculty/staff/student worker requesting the info “needs to know” (has legitimate use to fulfill his/her employment responsibilities)

The information is public—”Directory Information”

#7“Public” IPFW Directory Information is:

Name

Address

Phone

Email Address

Class Standing

School/Division

Major

Dates Attended

Current Enrollment Status

Degrees and Awards

Recognized Student Activities and Sports

Info Related to Athletic Team Participation

#6Students can restrict their Directory Information

Admissions Application at entry/Registrar’s Office form after that point

Check for the “Warning: Confidential” pop-up box on Banner forms!

If restricted, don’t give info out! It’s okay to say: “There is no information available on that person.”

#5No! No! Never:

Post grades using any part of students’ social security numbers

Leave stacked graded papers for students to pick up

Circulate a printed class list showing names and social security numbers to use for attendance

Discuss student progress with anyone other than the student without the student’s consent (this includes parents!)

Provide anyone with a student’s schedule or help anyone find a student on campus (Police and Safety will assist!)

#4You Are Responsible to Protect:

All educational records in your possession!

This includes documents in your office, computer printouts, class lists, display screens, advising notes

Social Security numbers: Don’t allow students to view, read, or record another student’s social security number while in your work area

#3Don’t Let Anyone Pressure You!

Parents of students do not have access to info other than Directory Information (unless they provide the Registrar’s a copy of most recent federal income tax return showing dependency)

Coworkers who are parents, spouses, partners, friends, relatives of a student do not have access to info other than Directory Information

Refer any “inquisitive” individuals to the Registrar’s office (in a courteous manner, of course!)

#2Transcripts are available only through the Registrar’s Office

Registrar’s staff is responsible for student record information and maintenance

#1If in doubt, don’t give it out!

Call the Registrar’s office with individual questions or situations!

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