Why should I care about FERPA?
FERPA protects the student’s privacy by dictating what can be accessed by the public. It is important for students to know and understand their rights, how those rights affect their role as students, and how to grant access to desired individuals.
When do my FERPA rights start?
FERPA applies to students who have reached the age of 18 OR attend a post-secondary institution.
Doane has determined that FERPA rights start the first day of class.
If a minor, under 18, is enrolled at Doane, enrollment means that the minor is a student of a post-secondary institution. FERPA applies to that individual as it would to any other student at Doane.
What are student's rights?
FERPA outlines four rights with respect to students Education Records. They are:
1. ACCESS TO EDUCATION RECORDS: students have the right to inspect and review their Education Records within 45 days of the day the University receives a written request for access, anytime after their matriculation.
A student should submit to the University registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the school official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
Students have right to see everything in their education record except information about other students, financial records of parents, and confidential letters of recommendation if they waived their right of access. FERPA does not dictate what records are created or how long they are to be kept; however, Doane cannot destroy a record if there is a request to inspect and review it.
2. REQUEST FOR AMENDMENT OF EDUCATION RECORDS: students have the right to request amendment of Education Records if they believe the records are inaccurate, misleading or in violation of their privacy rights.
A student who wishes to ask Doane to amend a record should write the school official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed. If Doane decides not to amend the record as requested, Doane will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. DISCLOSURE OF EDUCATION RECORDS: this right protects confidentiality of student records and requires the student's signature to release academic records, such as transcripts. Doane may disclose educational records without consent under certain requirements and exceptions. These include:
- School officials that have a legitimate educational interest
- When there is an articulable and significant threat to the health or safety of a student or other individuals
- Records returned to the provider or creator of the information
- Educational institutions where the student plans to enroll or transfer
- Judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoena
- Any records included under the directory information unless they have been restricted by the student
- Parents if the students are Federal IRS dependents; proof of dependency is required
- Third parties with written agreement in conjunction with the evaluation of federal or state supported educational programs
4. COMPLIANCE: Doane must notify the student annually of their FERPA rights. Students have the right to contact the Family Policy Compliance Office with complaints concerning the University's compliance with the requirements of FERPA.
How do I provide consent?
Enrolled Students Direction on Setting Up Proxy User Access
Can I grant different levels of access?
Yes. You can provide different access to student finance, financial aid, tax information, and academics