Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Your Rights Under FERPA

• Inspect and Review: You have the right to review your education records.
• Request Amendment: You can seek to correct inaccurate or misleading records.
• Consent to Disclosure: You can control the disclosure of personally identifiable information (PII) from your education records, except under certain permitted situations.
• File a Complaint: If you believe your FERPA rights have been violated, you can submit a complaint to the US Department of Education:

U.S. Department of Education : Family Policy Compliance Office

600 Independence Avenue S.W.

Washington, DC 20202-4605

Definition of Education Records

Education records are records that are directly related to a student and maintained by the college or a party acting on its behalf. These records can exist in various formats, including handwritten, printed, digital, or other media.

Directory Information

FERPA allows Atlantic Cape to release certain "directory information" without your written consent. Directory information at Atlantic Cape includes:

• Name

• Classification

• Degrees awarded

• Hometown

• Honors and awards

• Height/weight of athletes

• Sports participation

You can opt out of directory information disclosure by submitting the “Restrict Directory Information Form” to the One-Stop Welcome Center (Building J, Mays Landing Campus). Students who opt out must handle all college business in person with a photo ID and can still use online services like registration (protected by a PIN).

Non-Directory Information

All other student information (non-directory information) is never released without your written permission, except as allowed by law (such as a judicial order, subpoena, or legitimate educational interest by school officials).

Who Can Access Student Records?

• You, the student
• Anyone you authorize in writing
• College officials with a legitimate educational interest
• Lawful judicial orders or subpoenas

Parents and Student Records

Under FERPA, parents cannot access a student’s records without the student’s written consent, even if the student is under 18. The only exception is if the parent can provide documentation showing the student is claimed as a dependent for tax purposes.

Record of Disclosures

Atlantic Cape maintains a record of each request for access to, and each disclosure of, PII from student education records. This record includes the parties who have requested or received information and their legitimate interests.

Health or Safety Emergencies

In situations deemed as health or safety emergencies, the college may disclose PII from education records without prior consent if the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or others.

Annual Notification

Atlantic Cape provides students with an annual notification of their rights under FERPA. This notification is available on the college's website and through official college publications, such as the catalog and student handbook.

Amending Records

If you believe your education records are inaccurate or misleading you can request an amendment by:

• Submitting a written request to the appropriate college official, clearly identifying the part of the record you want changed and explaining why it is inaccurate or misleading.

• If the college decides not to amend the record, the student will be notified of the decision and informed of your right to a hearing.

Security of Student Records

Atlantic Cape is committed to protecting the confidentiality and security of student education records. Measures are in place to prevent unauthorized access and ensure compliance with FERPA regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is protected by FERPA?
  Any student who is or has been enrolled at Atlantic Cape. FERPA does not apply to applicants who never enrolled.
• What are education records?
  Records that personally identify a student, maintained by the college in any format (e.g., print, digital, email).
• Can parents automatically access a student’s records?
  No, unless the student provides written consent or the parent proves dependency status.

Forms and Resources

Restrict Directory Information Form
Enrollment Verification Form

Visit the U.S. Department of Education FERPA Information page for more details.

U.S. Department of Education Guide to FERPA for students