Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended, grants students in institutions of higher education the right of access to their educational records. The Department of Health, Education and Welfare has published regulations in the January 6, 1975, issue of the Federal Register to implement the Act.

Georgia Southern University notifies its students annually of the type of records maintained and the official responsible for such records, by means of the student handbook, The Eagle Eye. Waivers of the right of access to the student records are specifically prohibited, except in limited circumstances involving certain types of letters of recommendation.

Directory Information

Directory information which consists of name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major, participation in activities, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and most recent educational institution attended is considered public information and will be released to those requesting such information unless the student has specifically requested that the information in this category be restricted. Any student may present a written request to the Registrar and such information will not be released. However, requests that directory information be withheld from a written publication must be received in sufficient time to prevent delay in processing that publication.

Education Record

"Education Record" means generally any record maintained by and for Georgia Southern University which contains information directly related to the student. However, the records listed in the following category are excluded.

Restricted Records

The following records are considered restricted and are not included in the "Education Records" noted above. They are not available for inspection by the student or his representative except as noted.
  • Records kept by education personnel which remain in the sole possession of the maker.
  • Law enforcement records maintained by Public Safety.
  • Employment records which relate exclusively to employment.
  • Records of professionals providing medical or psychological treatment to the student. However, the student may have an appropriate professional review of such records.

Student Right of Access to Records

Any student, regardless of age, who is or has been in attendance at Georgia Southern University has the right to inspect and review his or her "Education Record" within a reasonable period of time after requesting to do so (not to exceed 45 days). However, the student shall not have access to:
  • Financial records of parents.
  • Confidential letters or recommendation concerning admissions placed in the record prior to January 1, 1975.
  • Letters of recommendation concerning admission, application for employment or honors for which the student has signed a waiver.
  • Transcripts received from other institutions. Students may inspect transcripts from other institutions but may not obtain copies of these records. Students may request personal copies of these records from the institutions that issued them.
  • Any student desiring to inspect his "Education Record" should consult the official designated as responsible for that part of his record to be inspected.

Release Information in Education Record

Release of personally identifiable student information will not be allowed without the written consent of the student except as follows:
  • Georgia Southern University personnel, where such persons have a legitimate educational interest and demonstrate a need to know to the official responsible for the record.
  • Officials of other schools where the student seeks to enroll. The student will be notified of the release of such information and will be provided a copy of the record if requested.
  • Representatives of Federal Agencies authorized by law to have access to education records, and state education authorities.
  • Appropriate persons in connection with a student's application for receipt of financial aid.
  • State and local officials to whom information must be released pursuant to a state statute adopted prior to November 19, 1974.
  • Organizations conducting studies for the institution.
  • Accrediting organizations.
  • Parents of a dependent student, as determined by the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended.
  • Necessary persons in emergency situations to protect health and safety.
  • Persons designated in subpoenas or court orders. (Records will be released in compliance with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena. However, every reasonable effort will be made to notify the student in advance of the compliance).
I have read the above and am ready to proceed to the request form(pdf).