Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS (See Student Handbook)

Records that are maintained on a student are used by the College to assist in academic, personal, social, and career decisions. These records are maintained in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. This legislation defines the following as “public directory information” and allows release of this information. Students may elect not to have this information included in the College directories by submitting a written request to the Student Services Office before the end of the first week of classes.

• Student’s name and address      • Telephone number           • E-mail address

• Full-time or part-time status         • Date and place of birth     • Major field of study

• Participation in officially-recognized activities                                     • Dates of attendance

• Degrees, honors, and awards received

• Other educational agencies or institutions attended by the student

Even though, by law, this is considered “public” information, the College does not release directory information unless under circumstances deemed appropriate by College officials. Persons or agencies outside of the College will not have access to, nor will the College disclose, any information (other than directory information) from students’ records without their written consent. Personally identifiable information WILL BE disclosed without written consent to qualified personnel within the College, such as persons or agencies providing financial aid, accrediting agencies pursuing an accrediting function, and emergency services protecting students’ health or safety.

The College is not required by the Act to give access to financial information submitted by parents or to confidential letters and recommendations associated with admissions, employment, or job placement. Students, who believe their records contain information that is inaccurate or misleading, or is otherwise in violation of their privacy or other rights, may discuss their concern informally with the person in charge of the records involved. If the decisions are in agreement with their request, the appropriate records will be amended. If not, they will be notified within a reasonable period of time that their records will not be amended. Students will also be informed of their right to a formal hearing with the Director of Enrollment Management. Students, who believe their rights have been abridged, or the institution has failed to comply with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, may file complaints with the Family Policy and Regulations Office, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20202. Various records are established by the College for each student and are maintained for specific purposes as indicated below.

Evidence:

• Student Handbook 2012-13 p. 22 

Academic Records

Academic records list all courses, grades, academic honors, and courses accepted in transfer to Miller College. This record is maintained in the Student Services Office under the supervision of the Registrar along with the Admissions Advising File, the Faculty Advising File, and the Financial Aid File.