Understanding FERPA: Examples of Directory Information
As an educator or a student, it is essential to understand your rights and responsibilities under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records. The act applies to all schools that receive federal funding, including public, private, and postsecondary institutions. One of the essential components of FERPA is Directory Information, which refers to information that can be made public without a student’s written consent. In this article, we will explain what Directory Information is, its definition, and its examples.
What is Directory Information?
Directory Information is defined as any information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. This includes information such as a student’s name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth, program of study, major field of study, enrollment status (full-time or part-time), dates of attendance, and degrees and awards received. It is essential to note that schools can only release Directory Information if they have given public notice of what they consider to be Directory Information.
Examples of Directory Information
Let’s go through some examples of what can be considered as Directory Information:
Name: This includes the student’s first, middle, and last name.
Address: This could include the student’s current or permanent mailing address.
Phone number: This could include the student’s home or cell phone number.
Email address: This could include the student’s school email address.
Date of Birth: This can be disclosed without written consent if it does not reveal more than the student’s age.
Program of Study: This could include the student’s field or major of study.
Major Field of Study: This includes the primary academic area in which the student is pursuing a degree or academic program.
Enrollment Status: This showcases if the student is a full-time or part-time student.
Dates of Attendance: This could include the specific start and end dates of when the student was enrolled.
Degrees and Awards: This includes any degrees or awards received by the student.
Conclusion
As a student, it is crucial to understand what information schools can make publicly available without your written consent. It is equally important to understand your right to opt-out of the release of such information. It is also the responsibility of educational institutions to provide written notice to parents and eligible students regarding their FERPA rights. Educators and administrators must follow these guidelines and ensure the protection of student’s educational records, which FERPA provides. Keep in mind that different institutions may have various definitions and examples of Directory Information, depending on their policies and priorities. Therefore, stay informed and communicate with administrators regarding their policies to understand your rights fully as a student.
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