I learned that students should be provided an annual FERPA notification.
FERPA Compliance has a lot of moving parts and can be very confusing. What ever institution needs is a clear, user-friendly policy for record, as well as solid training for school officials.
With this section, I learned that being too careful is better than just feeling like you are being careful and not putting a lot of caution into how you release the information of a student. I do think that guidelines are made clear, however, it seems like it can be easier to do what you feel lis right versus what is actually right. If we take extra caution in the protection of our own privacy, we should do the same for students and their privacy rights. It can (and does feel) like a lot of information but it is all in place to help us.
When in doubt alway and I mean always check the FERPA regs to make sure you are following the correct action taken.
A student's written consent is very important. As an institutional officer, it is better to err on the side of caution and not release info about a student without their consent, and even with the consent, always document the details of the release of the docs.
Student information is private
Certain criteria must be met when disclosing information about a student even if the student is still academically enrolled. Laws prohibit disclosure of things like grades and academic status.
Each institution needs to ensure clear guidance on its policy and when it doubt err on the side of caution
One of the more aggressive take-aways from this portion of the reading was the explicit responsibility of the educational institution to annually notify students regarding all their rights. When I was an undergrad student, there was not this much energy and emphasis on FERPA compliancy-to the degree of severity as it is conveyed now. Privacy and autonomously have in many ways, become a human rights issue and I cannot image the historical concerns and issues before FERPA was in place to protect students and also, intuitions themselves.
I have learned that only the student or those who have the right to access the students record can view it. Unless authorized by the student.
I have learned that in order to ensure that only the required information is being released, the school officials have forms that they fill out to send the information.
Reply to Joyce Hladky's post: will said
I was thought the same way.
That the records selected by the regulator for the instituion must be noted
Having a clear understanding of the policies and procedures of FERPA is very important so as to be compliant in releasing student records. Protecting student's identity and educational records are the utmost priority of any institution.
I have learned how very important it is to folloow the policies and procedures concerning FERPA.
This was very informative regarding the risks involved with not following FERPA and why it is important.
Ferpa rules are imprtant guidelines for protecting student informatoon.
I have learned that the majority of the time FERPA needs to have written consent from the students and notify them. It is also very interesting to see how it is also limited from parents.
It is ok to have access to a student's record if there is a legitimate reason for needing the info.
School must be really careful when they are releasing students information. Some information needs a written consent or student permission, unless it is needed by court or law enforcement.
