Information about Constraints on Sharing Information about Students (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) places certain restrictions on the kinds of information about students that can be shared without explicit permission from the student. FERPA permits information sharing for emergencies and in other situations where help is needed. For more information, contact the University of West Florida Office of the General Counsel at 474-3420.

The U.S. Department of Education provides an overview of FERPA on its web site.

http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html

The National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA) has published a “FERPA and Campus Safety” Q & A to provide accurate information about FERPA to campus administrators and others. This document answers frequently asked questions about FERPA and suggests important elements to consider in setting institutional policies. And while advocating compliance with FERPA, it also puts into perspective the critical importance of campus and public safety in today’s world.

National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA) Notes (August 6, 2007) Vol. 5 No. 4

 

 

 

 

 

 

Updated 8/8/07