Understanding FERPA: What is Directory Information?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) was enacted to protect the privacy of students’ educational records. It gives parents and eligible students the right to access their records and control the disclosure of their information. One of the key components of FERPA is the concept of “directory information.”
Directory information is a term used to describe information that may be disclosed without consent, unless the student has opted out of such disclosure. Directory information may include a student’s name, address, telephone number, email address, date and place of birth, major field of study, dates of attendance, enrollment status, and degrees and awards received.
Why is Directory Information Important?
Directory information plays a crucial role in universities’ and colleges’ day-to-day operations. It is used to produce student directories, graduation programs, and other documents that recognize students’ achievements. It may also be used to notify students about upcoming events or to inform them about potential opportunities related to their field of study.
In addition to these purposes, directory information may also be shared with outside organizations under certain circumstances. For example, an employer may request directory information to verify a student’s enrollment status or to contact them about job opportunities. Similarly, law enforcement or government agencies may request directory information for official purposes.
How Can Students Opt-Out?
While directory information is generally considered public information, FERPA allows students to opt-out of sharing this information. Universities and colleges must inform students about their right to opt-out and provide a reasonable amount of time for them to do so.
To opt-out, students typically need to fill out a form and submit it to their institution’s registrar’s office. Once a student has opted-out, their directory information cannot be disclosed without their consent, with a few exceptions.
Exceptions to Opt-Out
There are a few limited circumstances when directory information may be disclosed to third parties without a student’s consent, even if the student has opted-out. These exceptions include:
– Disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests, such as faculty members who need to contact students for academic reasons.
– Disclosure to authorized representatives of the U.S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, or the U.S. Secretary of Education.
– Disclosure in connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or received.
– Disclosure to organizations conducting studies on behalf of educational institutions.
Conclusion
Directory information is an important aspect of FERPA that allows universities and colleges to operate efficiently and provide students with valuable opportunities. However, students have the right to opt-out of sharing their directory information, with a few limited exceptions. By understanding directory information and their rights, students can better control the disclosure of their information and protect their privacy.
