FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) sets out requirements which govern the access to and release of educational records, and the right of students to inspect and review their records. In addition, FERPA provides guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data. In accordance with the regulations of FERPA, Cedarville University has adopted the following policy:
No personally identifiable information should be released without written authorization from the student each time that the information is needed. Written authorization should consist of the date, the person receiving the information, what records are to be released, and the student's signature.
For students who have declared privacy, no information, including directory information, may be released to anyone outside of the University or without an educational need for the information.
Directory Information
Unless the student has requested with the Office of the Registrar that his or her information be listed as confidential, information designated as "Directory Information" may be disclosed without the consent or knowledge of the student. Directory information at Cedarville University includes the following student information:
- Student's name
- Address
- Telephone Number
- Major/Fields of Study
- Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
- Height and weight (for athletic team members)
- Dates of attendance
- Degrees and awards received
- Most recent education institution attended
Requests for Privacy
Students are notified of their FERPA rights through the Student Services Office at the beginning of each academic year, and are provided with an opportunity to request privacy. Students requesting privacy should be aware that no information will be given out to anyone, including immediate family members and potential employers, regarding any information concerning the student. In addition, students who have declared privacy are not able to obtain information concerning their own records unless they inquire in person or provide a written request which includes their signature.
Students who desire to retract their request for privacy must submit a written request, which includes their signature, to the Registrar's Office.
Waiver of Privacy
In some cases, students may wish to waive their FERPA rights and permit University personnel to discuss their educational records with their parents. In such cases, the student must provide the Office of the Registrar with written authorization which includes the student's signature and grants the release of his or her educational records to specific individuals for specific purposes within limited periods of time. Details concerning the process for waiving privacy can be obtained from the Office of the Registrar, upon request.