FERPA Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

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FERPA Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

Okay, so FERPA, right?

FERPA Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction - managed it security services provider

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(The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) Its, like, this big deal in education, especially in colleges and universities. FERPA: Prevent Data Breaches A School Guide . But honestly, theres SO much confusion around it.

FERPA Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction - managed it security services provider

    Like, a ton of myths. Lets try and, you know, bust some of them.


    One really common one is that FERPA means you cant EVER talk to parents about their kids grades or performance. That's not totally true! Its more nuanced than that. FERPA basically says that students have the right to their educational records. Once theyre 18, or attending a post-secondary institution (even if theyre younger!), those rights shift to them. So, yeah, you cant just, like, blab their grades to Mom and Dad without permission, but there are exceptions! For example, if the student signs a release (a waiver!), or in certain emergency situations where, you know, their health or safety is at risk.


    Another big myth is that FERPA only applies to grades.

    FERPA Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction - check

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    Nope! It covers a whole bunch of "educational records," which is basically any record that directly relates to a student and is maintained by the institution. That includes transcripts, disciplinary records, advising notes, even some emails! Its a much wider scope than most people think, and its easy to mess up.


    And then theres the idea that you cant post grades publicly, even with student ID numbers. This ones tricky. Technically, FERPA prohibits disclosing personally identifiable information. So, if someone can easily figure out whos who from those ID numbers (and they often can!), its a no-go. But, some schools might use a completely random, unique identifier that's super hard to connect to the student. It all depends on whether the students identity can be reasonably determined.


    Finally, lets talk about directory information. People think that its all secret and cant be released. check But schools can actually designate certain information as "directory information" - things like name, address, phone number, major, enrollment status, dates of attendance, degrees awarded. managed services new york city They can release this stuff unless the student specifically tells them NOT to. Its like, the default is public, until the student opts out.


    So, yeah, FERPA. It seems complicated, and it is, but hopefully, this clears up some of the major misconceptions. Always best to check with your institution's FERPA officer if you are unsure. It helps to not get sued! Its a pretty important, and people mess it up all the time!