Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), also called the Buckley Amendment, is a federal law that protects the privacy of student records. With few exceptions, FERPA covers all records about a student, not just academic records.
Who has FERPA rights at the college level?
FERPA rights belong to the student at a postsecondary institution regardless of age. “Student” refers to anyone taking classes, whether for credit or non-credit, and no matter how the class is taught—either in person or online. FERPA protects the education records of persons who are, or have been, in attendance at the institution. FERPA does not apply to records of applicants for admission who are denied acceptance or, if accepted, do not attend the institution.
What FERPA rights are given to students?
- Right to inspect and review their education records.
- Right to request to amend their education records.
- Students have the right to limit the sharing of “personally identifiable information,” which includes details that directly identify them or make their identity easy to trace. This is also called directory information.
- Right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning an alleged failure by the institution to comply with FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:
- Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5901
- Family Policy Compliance Office
If a student wishes to have any personally identifiable information regarding their educational record released, an Authorization for Release of Student Information Form must be completed by the student. This form is available online via myLSSC.
Further Information can be found in the LSSC Academic Catalog at Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) | Lake-Sumter State College Catalog.
Contact Us
Contact the Office of the Registrar at Registrar@lssc.edu or by calling 352-787-3747 Ext. 6506.