Student Privacy Transcript
1
0:15
Lawyers have attorney client privilege, doctors have Doctors Patient Confidentiality, and
Teachers have something called FERPA.
0:22
FERPA, or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, has been a federal law since 1974 and it
affects virtually all academic institutions in the country. While Doctor Patient Confidentiality
ensures that your doctor won’t tell everyone about an embarrassing rash, FERPA ensures all
students that their instructors won’t reveal their private information.
0:42
The law revolves around “education records,” which MSU defines as “records, files, documents,
and other materials which contain information directly related to a student and are maintained
by the University”
0: 55
Without the jargon, this means that for every student at MSU, the university maintains a variety
of information. Some of this information is considered private and some public, which is also
called “directory information,” because it automatically shows up on the public directory unless
a student opts out.
1:12
Directory information can be found on the “people search” link on the main MSU website. By
default it displays information like home address, phone number, and email address. As a
graduate student, your own information is displayed this way too. If you prefer your students
not to have access to your address and phone number, click on the link that appears under the
directory information to change what is publicly available.
1:36
Other types of student information must be kept private--even from student’s parents and
guardians. Regardless of the reason or the student’s age, you can’t share private information
unless the student has given written and uncoerced permission.
1:50
The most common exceptions that allow you reveal student’s private information include
sharing with the actual student, who has a legal right to see their own records, situations where
the student has given written permission to share records, Legal situations (such as subpoenas)
Emergencies, such as when a student’s life is in danger, and when sharing records with a
university employee who demonstrates a “Need to know.” In any of these situations, your
faculty of record should be the first person you talk to. They fall under the “need to know”
category, and can advise you on any difficult situations. If your faculty of record is unavailable,
you can also contact the Registrar’s office of the General Counsel.
2:35
Adhering to FERPA means respecting student privacy. Most of this is just good common sense,
but some situations can get confusing. Try to be more aware of situations that could violate
student privacy.
2:48
Some teachers like to post grades publicly, like posting a list of grades on a wall. If you do this,
you obviously shouldn’t use the student’s name, but also avoid any identifier that can be traced
back to the student. If you want to post grades this way, start by issuing students unique,
completely anonymous identifier.
3:06
Likewise you shouldn’t allow students to retrieve their own graded work, or even leave their
ungraded assignments where others can find them. You should return graded work yourself; if
you have someone else do it make sure they’re in the “need to know” category; friends, family,
Student Privacy Transcript
2
and even your department’s administrative assistant don’t typically qualify. As always, check
with your faculty of record first.
3:30
Before you plug your computer into a classroom projector, check and recheck to make sure all
student information is closed out and that pop up notifications for email and social networks are
disabled. It’s your responsibility to keep information secure; even if the violation was
unintentional.
3:45
If you’re new to teaching and need advice, feel free to discuss student work with your faculty of
record and fellow T.A.s for the course—they all fall into the “need to know” category. If you’re
the sole T.A. for a class, and still want advice from a colleague, remove identifying information
about the student before sharing records.
4:03
And remember ,“identifying information” can be more than just a student’s name; avoid
disclosing any information that can lead to the student’s identity. Shop talk can result in
embarrassment and violations of student privacy. This includes social media, where it can
sometimes be difficult to know who can and can’t see your posts. Even if you’re certain you
haven’t violated FERPA—be mindful of how you’re representing yourself and the University. It’s
best to stay professional when discussing students.
4:30
In your time as a TA you’re likely to encounter other tricky situations with student privacy.
Remember that it’s better to err on the side caution, and that your faculty of record is your first
and best resource. And lastly that you can get more information about FERPA any time you
need it through the links on this site or by contacting the Registrar or the Office of the General
Counsel.