Rebecca Hayward

Technology impact regarding FERPA

Outside agencies that have more weight than FERPA

Classroom activities that could affect FERPA

I've Learned there should be a process for a student to contest, hearing process should be outlined

FERPA is for students enrolled and in attendance, does not apply during application process

Former students do not have the same ferpa rights to non-disclosure of directory info

Alumni - FERPA does not apply

I've learned Annual disclosures should be provided

Institutions should define how they use FERPA

Non directory info: race/gender/ssn/grades/gps/religion/country of citizenship - made be used in commencement info

Institution has to define what is personally identifiable info

release guidelines for educational records

Best practices should be in place: notify student of any info released/seek written permission/provide student ample time to submit request/don't release info until request is received

I've learned:

FERPA = Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974

Protect the rights of the student educational records, provides access to the records, opportunity to have amended and control over the information

FERPA is for Parents grades K-12 and Students in Higher education

Must report a complaint within 180 days of knowledge

An educational record is any record maintained by the institution directly related to the student, exceptions are sole possession records/private notes, law enforcement or campus security/records of employees, records after a person is no longer a student, records about more than on student, letters where students… >>>

Educate borrowers regarding picking a payment plan:

Re-payment plans (Standard/Graduated/Extended/Income Driven

Provide Payment Schedule Options

Pay more toward principal if possible

Loan Merging/Loan Consolidation/Lower Payment Options provides written request

Deferment/Forbearance

Checklists for borrowers/One on One meetings regarding Entrance and Exit Counseling limit up to 15 minutes to cover rights and responsibilities.  Having available servicer information in writing for the borrower/consequences of default/explanation of interest and accrual/ under half-time enrollment status what does this mean for aid. Disbursement of aid in writing and in person session of 10 minutes to reinforce with student. Basically reinforcement of the borrowing responsibilities in person and in writing is the most efficient and better education for the borrower.  Other options online or by email etc.

I've learned a friendly office within staff and students is more approachable, and having accurate reference information helps for the future regarding loan payment and 6 references seems to be the best approach.  In addition having a way to check these references would be helpful. If a student is making on-time payments to the school directly or to a loan through the school sending a congratulations or encouragement for the on time payments makes a student feel important.  The student will also pass this on to the other students because positive reinforcement leads to positive results.  This also leads to… >>>

I've learned that identifying ways to make student loan borrowers more accountable is key.  This can be accomplished by providing loan repayment options with repetition and counseling. Provide The Con's of delinquency and default.  Reinforce information regarding the student loans, through Posters/pamphlets and easy access to the online educational tools. In addition make the FA office inviting for them to come visit and ask questions, sometimes the FA office can be intimidating.