FERPA: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

FERPA is a federal law passed in 1974 that gives students certain rights regarding their educational records. Once a student begins attending Chowan University, the rights under FERPA transfer from the parent to the student—regardless of age.

FERPA ensures:

• Students can access and review their education records.
• Students can request corrections if information is inaccurate or misleading.
• The University must have written permission from the student to release information from education records, except in specific permitted cases.

Under FERPA, students have the right to:

1. Inspect and Review their education records within 45 days of the request.
2. Request Amendment of records they believe are inaccurate or misleading.
3. Consent to Disclosure of personally identifiable information from their records, except where FERPA allows disclosure without consent.
4. File a Complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if they believe their rights have been violated.

Requests to review or amend records should be submitted in writing to the Office of the Registrar.

FERPA allows the University to release certain “directory information” without written consent, unless the student requests otherwise.

Chowan University defines directory information as:

• Student’s name
• Address
• Telephone number
• University email address
• Major field of study
• Dates of attendance
• Degrees and awards received
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Weight and height of athletes

FERPA permits disclosure of records without student consent in certain circumstances, such as:

• To school officials with legitimate educational interest
• To other schools where the student seeks enrollment
• To parents of dependent students (as defined by the IRS)
• To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena
• In connection with financial aid
• In health or safety emergencies

Once a student begins college, FERPA rights belong to the student—even if the student is under 18. Parents can only access a student’s record if:

• The student provides written consent, or

The student is a dependent for tax purposes (documentation may be required).

Students can authorize the release of their records to parents, guardians, or other third parties by completing a FERPA Release Form online. This form specifies who may receive information and what type of information may be shared (academic, financial, disciplinary, etc.).

Please use the links at the top of the page to complete the form.

FERPA rights also apply to digital and online records, including:

• Learning management systems (e.g., Blackboard, etc.)
• Online grade books and class rosters
• University email and student portals

Always use your official university email when communicating about academic records.

If a student believes the University has failed to comply with FERPA, they may contact:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-8520