FERPA
Ramapo Style
Everything You Wanted to Know
But Were Afraid To Ask…
And Shouldn’t Tell!
FERPA – Definition
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Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act –
a.k.a. The Buckley Amendment
Sets forth requirements regarding the privacy of
student records
The release of education records
 Access to these records
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Applies to K-12 as well as institutions of higher
education
Why Comply with FERPA?
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It’s the Law.
Failure to comply could
result in the withholding
of Federal Funds
including Student
Financial Aid.
Lawsuits caused by
violations cost time and
$$$.
What are Education Records?

All records that directly relate to a student and are
maintained by an institution.
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These records can be in any form: handwritten,
print, type, film, electronic, etc.
What information might need to be
handled in a secure way?
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Registration forms/information
Grades/Transcripts
Student information displayed on your
computer screen
Papers/Exams/Tests
Student schedules
Student R#/Password or PIN
Any paper with the student’s R# on it.
What information can be released?
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Directory Information
Information that the student has given
written consent to release.
Information needed by employees who
have a legitimate educational interest.
Information needed by certain
government agencies.
Directory Information
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FERPA stipulates certain information that MAY be
released without the student’s written consent
Ramapo Directory Information:
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Student’s Name
Class Level
Ramapo College E-mail Address
School and Major field of study
Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
Photograph
Honors, by town
Dates of Attendance
Degrees and Awards received
Current Enrollment Status (full/part time)
Who can access
Student Information?

Ramapo Employees who
have a legitimate educational
interest.
Legitimate Educational Interest: A school
officials’ need to review student education
information to fulfill a responsibility as part
of his or her contract.
TAKE NOTE:
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Access to Student information via
BANNER/Web Self-Service or other
computer software does not authorize
unrestricted use of that information.
Curiosity is not a valid reason to view
student information.
Records should only be used in the context
of official business.
MORE Important Info:
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Information about a student can be released
with a signed consent from the student.
Information on a computer should be treated
with the same confidentiality as a paper copy.
Do not leave confidential information displayed
on an unattended computer.
Cover or put away papers that contain
confidential information if you are going to step
away from your desk.
Record Disposal

Records containing student information:
R#’s; Social Security Numbers; grades;
names; addresses; telephone numbers, etc.
should be shredded, not just thrown in the
garbage.
How to Respond to Info Requests
It is always okay to
speak in
hypothetical's…give
samples and examples
that do not give specific
student information.
“While I cannot discuss
Johnnie’s specific
information, I can tell
you that a grade of “Y”
represents…..”
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You should NOT
discuss student
information over the
telephone or via email
unless you are 150%
certain that you are
dealing with the
student (and only the
student)
Not sure what to do?
When in doubt…Don’t Give it Out!
Call or E-mail Michele Dunn, Registrar
201-684-7695 – mdunn@ramapo.edu
QUESTIONS ? ? ?
CONGRATULATIONS
You have been
“FERPA-tised”