The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) grants eligible students certain rights regarding their education records. An eligible student is anyone who is 18 years of age or older or who attends a postsecondary institution, regardless of age.
Student Rights Under FERPA
Right to Inspect and Review Education Records
Students have the right to inspect and review their education records within 45 days of submitting a request.
To request access, submit a written request to the Registrar, dean, department chair, or other appropriate university official. The request should clearly identify the records you wish to review. The University will arrange access and notify you of the time and location where the records may be inspected. If the records are maintained by another office, you will be directed to the appropriate official.
Right to Request Amendment of Education Records
Students may request the correction of education records they believe are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise violate their privacy rights under FERPA.
Requests must be submitted in writing to the Registrar and should:
- Clearly identify the record to be amended
- Specify the requested change
- Explain why the information should be corrected
If the University denies the request, the student will be notified in writing and informed of their right to a hearing. Information about hearing procedures will be provided at that time.
Right to Control Disclosure of Education Records
Students have the right to provide written consent before Truman State University discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from their education records, except when FERPA permits disclosure without consent.
Disclosure to School Officials
Truman State University may disclose education records without prior written consent to school officials who have a legitimate educational interest in the information.
School officials may include:
- Faculty and staff in administrative, academic, research, support, health, or law enforcement roles
- Members of the Board of Governors/Trustees
- Students serving on official committees, such as disciplinary or grievance committees
- Contractors, consultants, volunteers, attorneys, auditors, collection agents, or other individuals performing institutional services on behalf of the University and subject to appropriate confidentiality requirements
A legitimate educational interest exists when access to a student’s education record is necessary to fulfill professional responsibilities on behalf of the University.
Right to File a Complaint
Students who believe their FERPA rights have been violated may file a complaint with:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20202
FERPA Exceptions: Disclosures Without Student Consent
FERPA permits the University to disclose personally identifiable information from education records without student consent in certain circumstances, including:
- To school officials with legitimate educational interests
- To officials at another institution where a student seeks or intends to enroll or is already enrolled for purposes related to enrollment or transfer
- To authorized federal, state, and local educational authorities for audits, evaluations, or compliance activities
- In connection with financial aid eligibility, administration, or enforcement
- To organizations conducting studies on behalf of the University
- To accrediting organizations
- To parents of a dependent student as defined by IRS regulations
- To comply with a lawfully issued subpoena or court order
- During a health or safety emergency
- For the release of designated directory information
- To victims of crimes of violence or non-forcible sex offenses regarding the final results of disciplinary proceedings
- To the public regarding final disciplinary results involving crimes of violence or non-forcible sex offenses, when permitted by law
- To parents of students under age 21 who have violated laws or university policies related to alcohol or controlled substances
Except for certain disclosures authorized by FERPA, the University maintains a record of disclosures from education records. Eligible students have the right to review that record.
Additional Information
The University’s complete FERPA policy is available on the Consumer Information website.
Questions regarding FERPA or the University’s procedures for releasing academic information may be directed to the Registrar’s Office at (660) 785-4143.