FERPA/Student Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.

Northark complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which affords eligible students certain rights with respect to their educational records. These rights include:

• The right to inspect and review the student’s education record within 45 days of the day the College receives a written request for access.
• The right to request an amendment to the student’s education record when the student believes the record is inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.
• The right to have some control over the disclosure of information from education records.

The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 assures confidentiality of education records containing information directly related to presently enrolled students, former students, or alumni.

The institution, according to the Act, may make public directory information about a student including the following: the student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major, and field of study, classification by year, number of hours enrolled in and/or completed, degrees and awards, parents’ or spouse’s name and address, marital status, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance (including matriculation and withdrawal date), the most recent previous education agency or institution attended, and photograph.

The college may, at its discretion and without a student’s written request, release confidential information to the following:

1. College officials having a legitimate educational interest;
2. Officials from other institutions in which the student seeks enrollment;
3. Federal agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, Immigration, Treasury, Federal Bureau of Investigation, etc.;
4. Private or public agencies regarding application for or receipt of financial aid, including guaranteed student loans;
5. Organizations conducting studies for education agencies or institutions developing, validating, or administering tests, student aid programs, or educational improvement programs;
6. Accrediting organizations;
7. Person or company with whom the College has contracted as its agent to provide a service (such as an attorney, auditor, collection agent, verification agencies such as the National Student Clearinghouse)
8. A court in compliance with a judicial order;
9. Others in emergencies affecting the health or safety of the student or other persons.

 

Students may request to suppress from public disclosure “directory information.” To do so, a student must file a form with the Registrar’s Office, before the end of the first week of classes each semester. This request does not restrict the release of information to the individuals and agencies listed above.

FERPA training is required for all Northark employees who deal with student records.

Students are responsible for keeping the Registrar’s Office informed of their current residence, mailing address and telephone number.  Student Data Change forms are available in the Registrar’s Office or online.

Students may file a complaint with the US Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA.  The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office

US Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20202-8520

(202) 260-3887