I've learned additional insight about FERPA and how is supports the students and the institution. Reviewing the example about a student contesting their attendance record was a great demonstration on how FERPA can be utilized to help both parties.
Training new employees is a must, regarding FERPA. No records should be accessed unless there is a need to do so to do your job. FERPA does not cover disposing of records, but shredding is best.
In regard to student access to records I was updated on restricted information that requires redaction such as parental financial information, privacy rights of other parties that may be included in a record, a students’ right to contest information in their record, their right to a hearing, and their right to appeal and include documentation of a challenge in their record. I learned that FERPA is not applicable to students that have applied but are not yet attending classes. I learned FERPA protocols for former students, deceased students, and alumni. Additionally, I was reminded that faced with a student who owes a balance our institution can allow review but can also retain transcripts until outstanding the balance is resolved. These are nuances that require intentional reflection and checks and balances on the part of college representatives when considering release of student records.
I have learned the importance of knowing how to give students access to their academic information and in a timely manner (within 45 days).
Every institution needs a good policy that covers records that takes into account FERPA, as well as State or other regulatory rules. Everyone at the school needs training on it, as well, but the policy should be user-friendly enough so that it can be referrenced quickly and easily. There's a lot going on with FERPA, and those who work directly with records will remember it all pretty easily, but those who don't (teachers, student services) will need help understanding how they can remain compliant.
Students can dispute somthing on their record eventhough it may not be changed but a notation will be added to thier record with their comments.
I found it helpful to know that students can add a statement when they disagree with something in the official record.
FERPA training is essential
Records are obtainable under FERPA if a former student is deceased.
WOW-so much invovled with FERPA and each institution needs to ensure faculty, staff and students know what is and what is not allowed. I did not realize that former students are not covered in FERPA
I find it interesting that student employees are not able to access their own individual grades, when quite honestly, the student won’t have security access to change or manipulate the grades in the system and will mainly have a “view” only capacity.
I learned that if an employee is also a student he or she cannot just view their own record unless they go through the proper channels in order to view the records.
I always wondered how they handled students who worked in the offices. I have learned they are not allowed to access their own records.
Important keys of integrity That EMPLOYEES should not access their records if they are students.
I feel there is so much information about FERPA its important we get the refresher training.
That EMPLOYEES do not have access to their own records to protect the in order to protect the integrity of the record
FERPA is such a broad topic, a lot of information and regulations that needs to be strictly followed or implemented. Thus it is important for employees specially the newly hired to undergo training so they can follow the correct protocol in implementing it.
interesting when an employee is also a student.....tempting
I agree with previous comments, training is essential.
Ferpa defines the privacy of a students grades and who has access to them
