Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

What is FERPA?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as amended, establishes requirements regarding the privacy of student records. FERPA governs:

• The release of student records maintained by the university
• Access to student records

The university must notify students annually of their rights to:

• Inspect and review their student records
• Request to amend their student records
• Limit disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in student records
• File a complaint with the Department of Education concerning an alleged failure by the university to comply with FERPA

Parental Access to Student’s Records

When a student reaches the age of 18 OR is attending a postsecondary institution, regardless of age, FERPA rights transfer from the parent to the student.  Parents of Angelo State University students may not receive non-directory information unless the student creates a FERPA/Proxy Authorized User from their secure RamPort account.

Student Records

Except as provided by the law, the university will not release student records without the student’s prior written consent. Under FERPA, student records are defined as records that are directly related to a student and are maintained by an educational institution or by a party acting for the institution. Student records can exist in any medium, including: typed, computer generated, videotape, audiotape, film, microfilm, microfiche and email, among others. Examples include personal (non-directory) information, Social Security number, grades and GPA, and class rosters/semester schedules.

Personally Identifiable Information

Personally identifiable information includes, but is not limited to: the student’s name; the name of the student’s parents or other family members; the address of the student or student’s family; a personal identifier, such as the student’s Social Security number or student ID; a list of personal characteristics that would make the student’s identity easily traceable; or other information that would make the student’s identity easily traceable.

Directory Information

The following is considered public “directory information” at Angelo State University, unless the student fills out a Directory Restriction Form in the Registrar’s Office.

• Student name
• Local and permanent mailing address
• Photograph
• Major and minor fields of study
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams
• Team photographs
• Dates of attendance
• Classification
• Enrollment status
• Degree candidate
• Degrees
• Awards and honors received, type of award/honor
• Previous educational agency or institutions
• Hometown