FERPA reminds us that it is very important to protect students information and records. This keeps us accountable as professionals to uphold a standard across the educational community. Students have a right to view their records, so being organized and clear in documentation is also important.
As I read the module, I saw myself as a student wanting information about my educational records. I couldn't help but feel the helplessness of students wanting to be heard and needing a kind "official" to be responsive. My take away was that I would begin by 1) educating students on their rights and the university staff (etc), on their responsibilties.; 2) Hosting quarterly forums on how best serve both groups, creating a community such that everyone responds with kindness and respect in these matters.
It is very important to secure the record of the students and their privacy, also it is very important that the person who is involved with this record must be good chosen, and by the law of FERPA the student can have access to see his record and what have been said about him.
My responsibility is to protect students' private information.
Student educational records require the same level of confidentiality as medical records in the hospital. Which makes complete sense, just something I never really thought about in detail.
I have learned that all student's information is protected and if not, they can file a complaint with the Department of Education.
My main take away is that there are many items that are not specifically defined by FERPA, but by the institution. If I were to ever work for a different school, I will need to make sure that I am aware of their specific definitions. I also want to make sure that my faculty are all aware of our definitions.
I think making student aware of their rights in regard to their information and being educated on the rules as well will prevent accidental release of information by not following outlined protocol
My graduate school official transcript is inaccurate which I learned about a few years ago. I attempted to resolve this by contacting the registrar of the university and the former Ohio Board of Regents, now referred to as the Ohio Board of Higher Education, to no avail but have learned through doing this module that I have recourse to file a request with the university that my education record be amended. If my request is not honored, I have the right to file a complaint with U.S. Dept. of Education.
I learn that we have rights and FERPA is created to maintain an order, I can make sure that my personal information is protected and will be available to me prior request.
I learned that basically to keep students records confidential and to protect the students rights.
Treat it as serious as patient information and confidentiality. It is a student right.
Prior to being asked to complete this training I was already familiar with FERPA however the amount of information that has been discussed so far is extremely detailed and useful. FERPA protects students' rights and information because students privacy is important. FERPA is utilized in K-12 and higher education schools.
My main takeaway are the levels of exceptions made for the policies and regulations. They make sense to why they are needed, but can add confusion in fully understanding what is or is not a requirement.
I thought this module was informative and interesting because I didn't know much about FERPA before this course. Understanding the timeline of student requests (45 days to respond) and what constitutes as private information vs. shared information was useful for future practices related to student records.
I have learned the importance and privacy of student information, and more so regarding personal issues related to health and legal.
This will be applied in the registration and management of academic extension courses at the university, as such short courses represents our priority to ensure the information of participants.
Comment on Joyce Hladky's post: I found your post interesting and relatable. The world of academia online has created a complex situation where one has to be extremely careful when working with student records.
FERPA not only protects student personal information, but the institution's integrity and professionalism. It ensures that data/notes that are added to a student's Educational Record are fair, honest and respectful. And allows transparency to students of their progress, without exposing sensitive data to others.
Great informative session on FERPA, students have right for their information and its staff's responsibility to keep the student's information confidential.
One does not necessarily have to be employed by the institution to have access to student records. Sole possession notes once left in a file or otherwise transferred to someone else are no longer considered sole possession.
