Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Guidelines for the Release of Student Educational Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records, including the right to inspect their records, request an amendment of the records that the student believes are inaccurate, and the right to control disclosures of their records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosures without consent.

One of the exceptions permitted by FERPA, is the release of Directory Information to parties outside the institution. Directory Information is defined as information which would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. Woodland Community College, in the majority of situations, does not release any student information, even Directory Information, without the prior written consent of the student. Directory information is only released to the National Student Clearinghouse.

Directory Information released to the Clearinghouse includes:

            • student name
            • date and place of birth
            • dates of attendance
            • degrees and awards received
            • field of study
            • participation in activities and sports
            • weight and height of members of athletic teams
            • most recent school attended

NOTE: Students may withhold Directory Information by notifying Woodland Community College Admissions and Records in writing.

It is the practice of Woodland Community College Admissions and Records Office to NOT release any student records or information without the written consent of the student, other than to school officials with a “need to know”.

This includes directory information. Directory information is only released to the National Student Clearinghouse. For more information about FERPA guidelines, see Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

WCC FERPA Guidelines 2017

Authorization for Release of Student Records Form 

To the Student

  • In Person: No signature required after verification of identity; if in the presence of other 3rd parties, only release information specifically requested by the  student.
  • Phone Requests: We do not release any information by phone.

To School Officials

Student signature not required if requester has “need to know” that pertains to current responsibilities.

3rd Parties

Including parents, spouses, other students, references, schools, basically anyone

Student information can only be released with the written consent of the student. Information provided will be only specific information designated by the student.

NOTE: WCC is not obligated by FERPA to release information to third parties; therefore, it is always best to refer these requests to the Woodland Community College Admissions and Records Office to make this determination.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t you tell me information about my son/daughter?

The college is bound by FERPA to protect student information unless we are given written consent in person, by the student to do otherwise.

Does a parent have the right to meet with an instructor, counselor, or other staff member to discuss a student’s education/education records/progress, etc.?
No, FERPA only provides a right to secure a copy of student records and it does not provide a right to an interactive conference with an instructor, counselor, or other staff member. At the College level, all staff typically deal directly with students without parental involvement.

FERPA TRAINING:

  • FERPA Training PPT
  • WCC Student Workers Quiz
  • WCC Staff and Faculty Quiz