FERPA
FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act as amended, is a federal law that pertains to the release of and access to student educational records. In compliance with FERPA, Central Texas College does not disclose personally identifiable information contained in student education records, except as authorized by law. One of the primary exceptions is that an institution may release personally identifiable information (PII), without the student’s consent, to school officials whom the institution has determined have a legitimate educational interest. FERPA rights apply to any student regardless of age.
Educational records are all records that contain information directly related to a student and are maintained by an educational agency or institution, or by a party acting on its behalf. A record means any information recorded in any way, including handwriting, print, tape, film, microfilm, microfiche, and digital images. The Associate Dean, Admissions, Registration and Records is the custodian of all student educational records except those specifically related to financial aid, veterans educational benefits, and student disability support services.
Under FERPA, a student has a right to
- inspect and review his or her educational records;
- request to amend his or her educational records;
- have some control over the disclosure of information from his or her educational records.
Directory Information
The release of information to the public without the consent of the student will be limited to that designated as directory information. Central Texas College has designated the following information as directory information:
- Student’s name, addresses, and phone numbers
- Electronic mail addresses
- Date and place of birth
- Major field of study
- Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
- Photographs
- Dates of attendance
- Degrees, certificates, and awards
- Name of most recent previous institution attended
- Student classification (freshman, sophomore, unclassified)
- Dates of graduation
A student may request that directory information be withheld by providing written notification to the Records Office in Killeen, Texas, by the 4th class day of a summer term, the 6th class day of an 8-week term, and by the 12th class day of a fall or spring semester. The restriction will remain in effect until revoked by student.