Having these checks and balances helps protect our patrons, whether they are staff or students in our colleges and universities. The guidelines help make us aware of our surroundings.

I found from this module that other government programs supersede the FERPA Act and the government can access information without students consent in certain instances

FERPA makes records obtainable, but you must follow procedures to gain access. After you graduate, your documents are not protected to an extent, and even if you die. It amazes me that a staff member as a student would try to look at their grades. They need to use the proper channels to access that data.

Understanding the policies of FERPA is a necessary issue. We have to have an understanding of the magnitude of the rules FERPA puts on our Company and employees.