FERPA Rights and Policy Notice

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. Education records are those records, files, documents and other materials directly related to a student that are maintained by the Union Presbyterian Seminary. The rights afforded by FERPA are:

1. Students have the right to inspect and review the student's education records maintained by the school. Schools are not required to provide copies of records unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for students to review the records. Schools may charge a fee for copies.

2. Students have the right to request that a school correct records which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information.

Generally, a school must have written permission from the student before releasing any information from the student's records. Schools can, however, disclose the student's records without the student's consent to any of the following parties or under any of the following conditions:

• School officials with legitimate educational interest
• Other schools to which the student is transferring
• Specified officials for audit or evaluation
• Appropriate parties in connection with the student's financial aid
• Organizations which are conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the school
• Accrediting organizations
• In order to comply with a judicial order or a lawfully issued subpoena
• Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies
• State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific state law

Schools may disclose, without consent, "directory" information such as a student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. However, schools must tell students about directory information and allow students a reasonable amount of time to request that the school not disclose directory information about them. Schools must notify students annually of their rights under FERPA. The actual means of notification is left to the discretion of each school. At Union Presbyterian Seminary, students who would like to opt to keep their directory information confidential should notify the Student Life Office in writing of their request.

If you need additional information about FERPA, call 202-260-3887. Individuals who use TDD may call the Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-8520