Established Relationships with Students
Why is it important that the school have an established relationship with a student prior to accessing the student's financial aid records?
It is a requirement to access student's financial aid records - the student must have applied, or be a returning student. If this criteria is not met, then one must not access a students FA records.
If a school does not have an established relationship with a student prior to accessing the student's Financial aid records on NLSDS, it would be considered a a violation of NSLDS Access rules. NSLDS contains personal information protected by the privacy act of 1974 and if accessed prior to a relationship existing could be considered a violation of the students privacy.
Linda,
You are correct. This is a critical area that schools must adhere to.
Cindy Bryant
The school must have an established relationship with a student prior to accessing the student's financial aid records, meaning the student must already be enrolled, have previously received financial aid, or have made application to the school. If the school does this without having established a relationship with the student, it is a violation of NSLDS rules.
Because that is a private information, and for the security a data information and besides it a regulation of NSLDS
The student's financial aid records are an important part of his or her right to privacy. Only students acknowledging the use of this private information for their own use, not just the school's, should be encouraged to release this information.
Boni,
Thank you for this important reminder. Financial aid is personal and customized to each and every student and should not be discussed outside the realm of FA. However we know that doesn't always happen and it can lead to unrest among students who don't understand how funding is calculated.
Cindy Bryant
An established relationship with the student prior accessing the student's financial aid records is of the utmost importance due to the fact that the student must understand the privacy regulations at hand including those of NSLDS.
It is important that the student has already applied for the school to obtain any type of confidential information and also have the consent from the student to obtain any financial aid records . It is a NSLDS regulation.
Ailyn,
Thank you for this critical reminder. In order for you as a financial aid administrator to access a students records there must be an established relationship, i.e. enrollment agreement, signed disclosures and so on.
Cindy Bryant
For the prospective student to be familiar with you and feel comfortable in asking questions.
