The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) as amended is a federal law which is designed to protect the privacy of and limit access to the educational records of students. By law, the Seminary is permitted to disclose directory information concerning students as defined in the Act, unless a student has specifically waived those rights. FERPA allows for the release of both “directory” and “non-directory” student information to “school officials” who have a legitimate educational interest without obtaining the student’s consent. A school official is determined to have a legitimate educational interest if the disclosure of the information is appropriate in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility in service to the Seminary. The full text of the Act is available on the Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO) Website. Notice of Rights of Students Regarding Their
The right to request an amendment to the student's education records that the student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's privacy rights under FERPA. A student who wishes to ask the Seminary to amend a record should write the registrar (or other Seminary official responsible for maintaining the record), clearly identifying the part of the record the student wants changed, and specifying why it should be changed. Under federal regulation, the Seminary has the right to approve or deny challenge requests. If LTS agrees with the student's request, the appropriate records will be amended. If LTS denies the request, the Seminary will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student's right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. A written request for a hearing should be submitted to the Dean of Students. If such a hearing results in further denial of the request, the student has the right to place with the educational record a statement that comments on the information in the record or that sets forth any reason for disagreeing with the decision of the hearing.
The right to block disclosure of "directory information," except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. A student who does not wish to have information disclosed or published must notify the Registrar in writing. The student may submit a Request to Prevent Disclosure of Information form for this purpose. The request for non-disclosure becomes effective when received by the registrar and is not retroactive; it will remain in effect until it is rescinded in writing to the Registrar. "Directory Information" is information that the school may disclose, but is not required to do so. All other (non-directory) information contained in a student's record (e.g., grades, social security numbers, academic actions, etc.) is strictly confidential and is not disclosed without the student's written consent.
The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures of LTS to comply with the requirements of FERPA. Complaints regarding alleged violations of rights of students under FERPA may be submitted in writing within 180 days to the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-5920. Further contact information: FERPA@ed.gov; 202-260-3887 (voice); Individuals who use TDD may call the Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339; or Visit FPCO’s Web site at: http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html.
What are education records? What is personally identifiable information? What is "Directory Information"? Can students control disclosure of "Directory Information"? To whose records does FERPA apply? To what records does FERPA apply? Is prior consent always necessary before releasing information from a student's education record? To whom does the term “School Officials” apply? What is considered “legitimate educational interest”? How is compliance monitored? Whom should I contact at LTS if I have questions about FERPA? Education Records are all records from which a student can be personally identified that are directly related to a student and maintained in any medium by a particular office, faculty advisor, instructor, or any other academic or administrative unit at LTS. A student has the right to review and inspect those records by contacting the Registrar in writing. Within five business days, the Registrar will respond with a time that the student may review the records. Education records are not limited to those records and data stored or maintained by the Registrar’s Office. Education records are not sole possession records (those held in the sole possession of the maker of the record and not revealed to anyone other than the maker’s substitute); law enforcement records; employment records of students, except graduate-assistants; medical records; alumni/ae records. [Return]
Personally identifiable information includes but is not limited to: the student's name; the address of the student; a personal identifier, such as the student's social security number or I.D. number; or other information that would make the student's identity easily traceable. [Return] Directory Information is information contained in an education record of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. As defined in the Act, such information may be released without prior consent unless a student has specifically waived those rights. At LTS, “directory information” includes: student’s full name, address, telephone number and LTS e-mail address; degree program; dates of attendance; photograph; degrees and awards received; participation in recognized activities. A student who does not wish to have this information disclosed or published must notify the Registrar in writing. The student may submit a Request to Prevent Disclosure of Information form for this purpose. The request for non-disclosure becomes
effective when received by the registrar and is not retroactive; it
will remain in effect until it is rescinded in writing to the Registrar. In summary, "Directory Information" is information that the school may disclose, but it is not required to do so. All other (non-directory) information contained in a student's record (e.g., grades, social security numbers, academic actions, etc.) is strictly confidential and is not disclosed without the student's written consent. [Return] Students and former students of Lancaster Theological Seminary are covered under the regulations of FERPA. Individuals who did not complete the application process, or those who applied but were not enrolled, are not covered by the Act. [Return] School Officials are employees, officials and representatives of Lancaster Theological Seminary deemed to have a legitimate educational interest in students’ records. Individuals determined to be LTS “School Officials” may include:
Legitimate Educational Interest is determined if the disclosure of the information is appropriate in order for the school official to fulfill his or her professional responsibility in service to the Seminary. FERPA allows for the release of both “directory” and “non-directory” student information to “school officials” who have a legitimate educational interest without obtaining the student’s consent. [Return] Contact Judi Hummer, Registrar and Director of Student Services, for further information, to make an appointment to review and inspect your education record or to receive this information in print form. [Return] |
