Student Rights under FERPA

From time to time pastors, parents, and others request information from the college about a particular student. With few exceptions, Federal law (the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA) prevents the school from disclosing academic records, student disciplinary matters, student finances, and other personally identifiable educational records without the student’s express written permission. Students also have the following rights under FERPA.

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day Rochester University receives a request for access. Students should submit to the Registrar, Dean of Students, or Academic Dean written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. Rochester University official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by Rochester University official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.

2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. The student should write Rochester University official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record he or she wants changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If Rochester University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, Rochester University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided at that time.

3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is defined as a person employed by Rochester University in an administrative, supervisory, academic, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit and health staff); a person or company with whom the College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Directors; or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

Upon request, Rochester University discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Rochester University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20202-4605

In accordance with Section 99.37 of the FERPA regulations, Rochester University reserves the right to publish directory information about students, including the student’s name, local address and phone number, academic program (including major, minor, and concentration), and home church.