FERPA (the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) is a federal law designed to protect the privacy of education records.   It also provides guidelines for appropriately using and releasing student education records.  FERPA was passed in 1974 and is also called the Buckley Amendment.

FERPA covers students who are currently attending or have ever attended Connecticut College. Rights begin on the first day of classes of the first semester of enrollment. Prior to the first day of class, they are NOT covered under FERPA.

FERPA grants students four primary rights:

  1. The right to inspect and review their own education records.
  2. The right to seek to have those records amended.
  3. The right to have some control over the disclosure of information from their records including personally identifiable information.
  4. The right to file a complaint with the U. S. Department of Education.

What are education records (and covered by FERPA)?

Education records include records, files, documents, and other materials that contain information directly related to a student and are maintained by the College.

What is not an education record (and not covered by FERPA)?

  • Records made by College personnel, including professors, which are in the sole possession of the person who made the records and are not accessible or revealed to any other person.
  • Records maintained by Campus Safety for law enforcement purposes.
  • Medical and counseling records that are made or used solely for treatment and disclosed only to individuals providing treatment.

What information can be released?

  • Directory information, as defined below (if the student has not restricted that information).
  • Information that the student has given written consent to release.
  • Information needed by College officials with legitimate educational interests.
  • Information needed by certain government agencies.

What is considered directory information?

Directory information maybe disclosed at the discretion of the College, without the student's consent. Under FERPA, students have the right to refuse to permit the designation of any or all of this personally identifiable information as "directory information," and thereby have the information withheld from public disclosure, by filing a written request to the Office of the Registrar by the first day of classes. If a request is not received by the Office of the Registrar by that date, it will be assumed that the above information may be disclosed for the current academic year. If a student chooses to withhold information from public disclosure, the College will follow the student's directive unless or until the student notifies the Office of the Registrar that the information may be disclosed.

1. The name of the student who is or has been in attendance

2. The dates of attendance and class year

3. The enrollment status of the student (on campus, study away, or on leave)

4. The local address and telephone number (not residence hall room number)

5. The permanent address and telephone number

6. The cellphone number

7. The date and place of birth

8. The major field of study

9. Participation in college-sponsored co-curricular activities and athletics

10. The height and weight of members of athletics teams

11. The degrees and awards received

12. The most recent previous educational institution attended

13. Student Photo ID images

14. Email address

 

College Policy Statement on Education Records of Students

FERPA Policy Statement

FERPA Student Waiver Release

FERPA for Faculty and Staff