FERPA - Rights and Privacy
Notification of Student Rights Under FERPA: This page explains legal rights students have for protection of their academic records.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records. These rights include:
- The right to inspect and review his or her educational records.
A student should submit to the University Registrar a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The University Registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the University Registrar, the University Registrar will advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed
- The right to request the amendment of the contents of the student's education records that the student considers to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's privacy rights under FERPA.
A student who wishes to ask the University to amend a record should write the University official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the University decides not to amend the record as requested, the University will notify the student in writing of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
- The right to provide written consent before the University discloses personally identifiable information from the student's educational records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
One exception which permits disclosure without consent, is the disclosure to University officials with legitimate educational interests. “School Officials” are University employees with general or specific responsibility for promoting the educational objectives of the University or third parties under contract with the University to provide professional, business and similar administrative services related to the University's educational mission. Legitimate educational interests” are defined as interests that are essential to the general process of higher education prescribed by the body of policy adopted by the governing board.
- The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
Family Policy Compliance Office
The office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
US Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5901.
Additional Resources on FERPA
The Department of Education has provided some useful information for schools, students and parents regarding privacy laws and school safety. Please read this brochure for more information. Also, additional information for parents regarding FERPA may be found at the Department of Education website.
The Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 requires all postsecondary institutions participating in federal student aid programs to disclose campus security policies and certain crime statistics. Yearly statistics on campus crimes must be provided to students, faculty, and prospective students. The WSU Police Department publishes an annual disclosure report.