The Basics
What year was the FERPA put into place?
1974
Records directly related to a student that are personally identifiable and are maintained by the institution or a party acting for the institution are called:
Education Records
Does FERPA apply after a student graduates?
YES
Does FERPA pertain to NCAA athletes?
Yes. FERPA pertains to all students who have matriculated, regardless of their athletic status. However, height and weight are considered "directory information" because of this.
Can faculty request to find out grades/information for students outside of their class?
No, unless they have a legitimate reason as part of their duties at UMES.
Where can you find UMES' official FERPA policy?
It is located on the Office of the Registrar website under the Student tab.
At what point is one protected under FERPA at UMES?
Once a student has been admitted to UMES and a learner record has been created, they are protected under FERPA regardless of their registration status.
Which agencies must comply with FERPA?
All education institutions and agencies (even K-12)
Can UMES release non-directory information when students' health and safety are concerned?
Only if it is determined necessary to protect the health and safety of the student and/or other individuals. Call the Registrar's Office for assistance if a situation like this arises and we will help.
What happens if a university is found with a FERPA violation?
The institution can lose their Title IV funding
Is there a way for students to designate someone with whom university officials can interact?
Yes. UMES allows students to designate a proxy that can interact with university officials.
What is FERPA an acronym for?
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
If a student's record is marked Confidential, can you still give out directory information?
No. If a student's record is marked confidential, they have filled out a Privacy Restriction form which prevents the university from releasing any information about the student.
Yes or No: Providing lists of students who are eligible for honors society membership or to alumni foundation is a violation of FERPA.
NO. UMES employees who serve as the contact for an honor society or a foundation CAN have access to do your job, but you cannot distribute these records to outside parties.
Who is the FERPA Privacy Officer at UMES?
The Registrar