FERPA in Action | Origin: CM141
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
FERPA and Privacy: A Practical Approach --> FERPA in Action
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
It is important to make sure that the staff that you hire are not only shown how to practice correct sercurity protocols, but are encouraged to do so.
Following all the recommendations of Ferpa, as an institution we can give the best of our services
It is so vital that we are familiar with FERPA and the many guidelines. FERPA is more than at system to protect students' privacy, it also is important to protect their rights to access their records. Noted!
In this section on FERPA it was interesting to learn about the rights of students after they graduate (as Alumni), if they are students and employees of the same institution and the rights of the students if they die (next of kin FERPA rights). The student who is an employee of the institution cannot look up their own information, they must also go through FERPA to request records. This information was very detailed and good information.
I especially appreciated the best practices section here. There are definitely some suggestions there that we can and should implement regarding internet security, hiring practices, training staff for security consciousness. Also, it made me think about who has access to what files and why they do--also how much access they should have --say on Google Drive--the choices are viewer, commenter and editor. All who have access do not need to be more than viewer.
Re the other topics, I have a question and am wondering how long a student's educational records need to be kept and which records need to be retained.
I've learned additional insight about FERPA and how is supports the students and the institution. Reviewing the example about a student contesting their attendance record was a great demonstration on how FERPA can be utilized to help both parties.
Training new employees is a must, regarding FERPA. No records should be accessed unless there is a need to do so to do your job. FERPA does not cover disposing of records, but shredding is best.
In regard to student access to records I was updated on restricted information that requires redaction such as parental financial information, privacy rights of other parties that may be included in a record, a students’ right to contest information in their record, their right to a hearing, and their right to appeal and include documentation of a challenge in their record. I learned that FERPA is not applicable to students that have applied but are not yet attending classes. I learned FERPA protocols for former students, deceased students, and alumni. Additionally, I was reminded that faced with a student who owes a balance our institution can allow review but can also retain transcripts until outstanding the balance is resolved. These are nuances that require intentional reflection and checks and balances on the part of college representatives when considering release of student records.
I have learned the importance of knowing how to give students access to their academic information and in a timely manner (within 45 days).
Every institution needs a good policy that covers records that takes into account FERPA, as well as State or other regulatory rules. Everyone at the school needs training on it, as well, but the policy should be user-friendly enough so that it can be referrenced quickly and easily. There's a lot going on with FERPA, and those who work directly with records will remember it all pretty easily, but those who don't (teachers, student services) will need help understanding how they can remain compliant.
Students can dispute somthing on their record eventhough it may not be changed but a notation will be added to thier record with their comments.
I found it helpful to know that students can add a statement when they disagree with something in the official record.
FERPA training is essential
Records are obtainable under FERPA if a former student is deceased.
WOW-so much invovled with FERPA and each institution needs to ensure faculty, staff and students know what is and what is not allowed. I did not realize that former students are not covered in FERPA
I find it interesting that student employees are not able to access their own individual grades, when quite honestly, the student won’t have security access to change or manipulate the grades in the system and will mainly have a “view” only capacity.
I learned that if an employee is also a student he or she cannot just view their own record unless they go through the proper channels in order to view the records.
I always wondered how they handled students who worked in the offices. I have learned they are not allowed to access their own records.
Important keys of integrity That EMPLOYEES should not access their records if they are students.
I feel there is so much information about FERPA its important we get the refresher training.
