FERPA – Faculty

POSTING GRADES

The public posting of grades either by the student’s name, institutional student identification number or social security number, without the student’s written permission, is a violation of FERPA. Even with names obscured, numeric student identifiers are considered personally identifiable information and therefore violate FERPA.

RETURNING ASSIGNMENTS

Leaving personally identifiable, graded papers unattended for students to view is no different from posting grades in the hallway. If these papers contain “personally identifiable” information, then leaving them unattended for anyone to see is a violation of FERPA..

ACCESS TO STUDENT RECORDS

Faculty members are normally considered “school officials.” But, the faculty member will have to demonstrate “a legitimate educational interest” in their request to access student records, e.g. advising students, retention study, etc. However, faculty do not have access to student academic records unless their normal job duties specifically require access.

PARENTS REQUESTING INFORMATION

Such things as progress in a course, deficiencies in a subject area, scores and grades on papers, exams, etc. are all examples of personally identifiable information that make up part of the student’s education record. This information is protected under FERPA and the parents may not have access unless the student has provided written authorization that specifically identifies what information may be released to the parent(s).

CRISIS SITUATIONS/EMERGENCIES

If non-directory information is needed to resolve a crisis or emergency situation, an education institution may release that information if the institution determines that the information is “necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals.” Factors considered in making this assessment are: the severity of the threat to the health or safety of those involved; the need for the information; the time required to deal with the emergency; and the ability of the parties to whom the information is to be given to deal with the emergency.

LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

Written permission of the student is required for a letter of recommendation if any information included in the recommendation is part of the “education record” (grades, GPA and other non-directory information).

WHO TO CONTACT WITH QUESTIONS/CONCERNS

General questions may be directed to the Office of Academic Records, as appropriate. Comments or suggestions should be addressed to the office email or 913.360.7553.