Student Privacy (FERPA)

Permanent academic records are maintained by the seminary and are the responsibility of the Office of the Registrar.  The seminary maintains the confidentiality of student records in accordance with the provision of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 as amended.  This is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.

 

FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s education records. These rights transfer to the student when he/she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are “eligible students.”

 

Official copies of academic records will be released only upon the written request of the eligible student.  FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions:

 

  • School officials with legitimate educational interest;
  • Other schools to which a student is transferring;
  • Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes;
  • Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;
  • Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;
  • Accrediting organizations;
  • To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
  • Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and
  • State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific state law.

 

The seminary may disclose, without consent, “directory” information. A student may request in writing to the registrar that the school not disclose directory information about them.  Please review the seminary's full policy on FERPA.

 

Students may not inspect the following:  parental financial records, confidential letters and statements of recommendation filed prior to January 1, 1975; confidential letters and recommendations solicited under a waiver of the right to future access.