FERPA Policy

What is FERPA?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) grants students specific rights regarding their educational records. These rights include:

1. Right to Inspect and Review Educational Records
   Students have the right to inspect and review their educational records. To request access, students should contact the Registrar’s Office directly. AVC will arrange a time for records to be reviewed within 45 days of receiving a request.
2. Right to Request Amendments to Records
   Students may request that AVC amend records they believe are inaccurate or misleading. To do so, students should submit a written request to the Registrar’s Office, detailing the specific record and the reasons for requesting a change. If AVC decides not to amend the record, students will be informed of their right to a formal hearing.
3. Right to Control Disclosure of Personally Identifiable Information (PII)
   AVC does not disclose personally identifiable information (PII) from student records without the student’s written consent, except in specific circumstances permitted by FERPA. Instances where disclosure is allowed without consent include:
   • School Officials with a legitimate educational interest.
   • Other Institutions where the student is seeking or intends to enroll.
   • Financial Aid purposes.
   • Health and Safety Emergencies.
   • Judicial Orders or Lawfully Issued Subpoenas.
4. Directory Information and Opt-Out Rights
   AVC may release “Directory Information” unless the student requests confidentiality. Directory Information includes:
   • Name
   • Address
   • Email address
   • Telephone number
   • Date and place of birth
   • Major field of study
   • Dates of attendance
   • Degrees and awards received
   Students who wish to withhold Directory Information must notify the Registrar’s Office in writing.
5. Disclosure to Parents
   Under FERPA, AVC may disclose certain academic information to parents if the student is financially dependent, as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. Dependency status can be established by providing a copy of the most recent federal income tax return listing the student as a dependent.
6. Right to File a Complaint
   Students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by AVC to comply with FERPA. Complaints may be directed to:
   • Family Policy Compliance Office
     U.S. Department of Education
     400 Maryland Avenue, SW
     Washington, DC 20202-8520

For more information about FERPA and student privacy rights, please contact the Registrar’s Office at Allegheny Valley College.