FERPA
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 is a federal law which helps protect the privacy of student education records. The Act provides students the right to inspect and review their education records, the right to amend incorrect or inaccurate records, and the right to limit disclosure of student education records. The intent of the legislation is to protect the rights of students and to ensure the privacy and accuracy of education records. FERPA rights begin when a student is enrolled.
Students have the right to review and inspect their education records within 45 days from the day the University receives a written request for access.
Anyone is permitted access to a student's education records with prior written consent from the student. Parents are permitted access without written consent only if the student is a dependent of the parent(s). Proof of dependency must accompany the written request for access.
A student who believes that information contained in the education records is inaccurate or misleading or violates the privacy or other rights of the student may request the amendment of the educational records to the appropriate office responsible for the records. If the records are not amended, the student may request a formal hearing.
Under the provisions of the Act, certain information concerning the student is designated as directory information and may be released by the University unless the student has informed by the University that such information should not be released. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has designated the following as directory information:
- Student's Name
- Student's Address
- Telephone Number(s)
- Student's E-Mail Address
- Date and Place of Birth
- Dates of Attendance
- Most recent previous educational institution attended
- Degree, Awards, and Honors receieved by the student
- Academic Awards and Honors
- Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
- Weight and height of members of athletic teams
- Major field of student/Classification
Any person wishing to not have the above information released must complete the Non-Disclosure Form in the Registrar's Office, Martin Hall, Room 171. Any individual wishing to not have their photograph in the yearbook must complete a request with Cajun Card Services, Student Union, Room 134; (337) 851-2273.
One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to University officials with legitimate educational interests. A University official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an educational record to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
Please address any FERPA questions or concerns to:
Office of the University Registrar
P.O. Box 41208
Lafayette, LA 70504
(337) 482-6291
FERPA General Guidelines for Students
FERPA General Guidelines for Parents
Students have a right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirement of FERPA. If your complaints are not properly addressed by the Registrar’s Office, the FERPA Office can be contacted at the address below:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave., SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-4605
For additional information visit: https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html to learn more.