Information About FERPA
FERPA rights begin after you are accepted at Northwood Tech and start taking classes.
Privacy of Student Educational Records Policy
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) as amended, is a federal law (20 U.S.C. 1232g) that protects the privacy of a student's educational record. FERPA applies to all educational institutions receiving funds from the United States Department of Education. Northwood Technical College makes every effort to comply with FERPA.
The U.S. Department of Education summarizes the rights afforded to students by FERPA as follows:
- The right to review their educational records
- The right to request amendment to records they believe to be inaccurate,
- The right to limit disclosure of some personally identifiable information known as directory information
- The right to file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office in Washington, D.C. if they feel their FERPA rights have been violated.
FERPA requires colleges to provide students with annual notification of these rights. Northwood Tech’s annual notification appears in the student handbook. Students also receive notification of these rights via email at the beginning of each term. Students who suspect that a FERPA violation has occurred should contact the college registrar or contact the Family Policy Compliance Office within the U.S. Department of Education.
What is an Education Record?
An education record is the official record directly related to a student and maintained by the college or by a party acting for the college. This includes any information or data recorded in any medium including, but not limited to handwriting, print, tapes, film, microfilm, microfiche, and any electronic storage or retrieval media.
Parental/Legal Guardian Access
Parental FERPA rights transfer to the student when the child turns 18 or enrolls in a post-secondary institution as a degree seeking student.
Parents/legal guardians may obtain directory information and must be allowed under the following conditions:
Records may be released to parents/legal guardians only if one of the following conditions has been met: (1) through the written consent of the students, (2) in compliance with a subpoena, and (3) by submission of the Parental Affidavit for Education Record Information form that indicates the student was declared a dependent on their most recent federal income tax form. If the student is the financial dependent of either divorced parent, then ‘personally identifiable’ information may be disclosed to both parents.
Authorization to Release Student Record Information (PDF)
If there is a court order, state statute, or legally binding document relating to such matters as divorce, separation, or custody revoking these rights then information will not be released.
The college is not required to disclose information from the student's education records to any parent/legal guardian of dependent students. However, it may exercise its discretion to do so. College employees may decline to provide the requested information if they determine that disclosure would be detrimental to the student-institution relationship or impede efficient and effective college operations.
More information available at the U.S. Department of Education Family Policy Compliance Office.
Red Flag Identify Theft Prevention Policy (Red Flag Rule)
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and federal banking agencies issued a regulation known as the Red Flag Rule that is intended to detect, prevent, and mitigate opportunities for identify theft. Northwood Tech is committed to identifying Red Flags associated with identity theft and protecting its students, faculty, staff, and others who entrust their personal information with the college.
Northwood Tech complies with the FTC Red Flag Rule by developing an identity theft prevention program that includes:
- Identifying and detecting “red flags”
- Taking appropriate action when detection occurs to mitigate identity theft
- Updating the identity theft prevention program to reflect changes in risk
