The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended entitle students to review "official records, files, and data directly related" to the students which the university maintains. Students may also request a hearing regarding any alleged "inaccurate, misleading, or inappropriate" information. In most circumstances, the university will not release information from student’s records to third parties without their consent. An interpretation of the law is printed below, and copies of it are available in the Registration and Records Office, Room 101, Student Services Center.
The following basic rules should be followed by UW-Stevens Point faculty, staff, and student workers:
| Rule #1: |
FERPA recognizes a person enrolled in post-secondary
education as a "student" and provides that individual
certain rights, regardless of age. Therefore, a parent does
not have an inherent right to access his/her student's
education records. |
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Rule #2: |
Faculty, staff, and student workers have access to education records for the sole purpose of performing their jobs professionally and responsibly. They have a responsibility to protect the confidentiality of education records in their possession, regardless of the medium in which the records are presented.
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Rule #3: |
Education records are considered confidential and may not be released, with the exception of unrestricted Directory Information. In some instances students may have restricted their directory information so it is the responsibility of faculty, staff, and student workers to verify that Directory Information is not restricted before releasing it. |
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, requires that students be advised of their rights concerning their education records and of certain categories of public information which the university has designated "directory information."
What is meant by the term "directory information?"
The university, in accordance with the act, has
designated the following categories of information about students as
public unless they choose to exercise your right to have any or all
of this information withheld. This information will be routinely
released to any inquirer unless students request that all or part of
this be withheld.
These categories are:
Class lists and class schedules are non-directory information and cannot be released. Posting education records (e.g. grades) using the student's name, student ID number, or any portion of the social security number also violates FERPA. Instructors are encouraged to use D2L to communicate grades and grade progress to their students. If grades need to be posted, faculty should use a random number that only the instructor and the student know. Any questions regarding FERPA guidelines should be directed to Registration and Records, Room 101 SSC, or by calling 715-346-4301.
Federal law affords students privacy regarding nearly all aspects of their academic performance. This includes any information regarding their performance in the classroom including grades, test scores, and class schedules. When any individual, including a parent/guardian(s) or potential employer, contacts a University official or professor regarding a student's academic performance, the official/professor must first obtain written permission from the student before releasing that information. This release form protects the rights of the student as well as affording protection to University personnel.
If a student asks an instructor/advisor for a letter of recommendation and GPA is included, a letter of recommendation release is required. A recommender's statements based on personal observations or knowledge do not require a written release from a student. This letter of recommendation release protects the rights of the student as well as affording protection to University personnel under FERPA.