It is the policy of Liberty University, in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), to withhold personally identifiable information contained in our students’ educational records unless the student has consented to disclosure or FERPA allows disclosure. Directory information, such as name and address, may be disclosed to the public. However, private information, such as grades, class schedules, the student’s account, and financial aid awards may not be released without express consent from the student.

Using the FERPA Release Form, the student may grant permission to release some or all private information to persons they designate. Please read the standards below to understand the role of the school and the student.

FERPA Release Form

 Students can:

• Inspect and review education records
• Seek the amendment of education records
• Consent to the disclosure of education records
• Obtain a copy of the school’s FERPA policy
• File a complaint with the FERPA Office in Washington, D.C.

Employees can not:

Disclose student education information (as defined below) to unauthorized parties

• Student Education information is confidential and is not to be disclosed by employees to anyone including other employees (see exceptions).
• Disclosure of student education information to any party (including parents) requires prior written consent of student

Exceptions:

• Directory information (as defined below) can be disclosed without consent.
• Students can request that their directory information be kept confidential.
• In specific cases confidential (non-directory) information can be released without student’s
  consent.
• External disclosure requires:
  • Subpoena.
• Internal disclosure requires:
  • Performing a task that is specified in his/her position description or contract;
  • Performing a task related to a student’s education or to student discipline;
  • Providing a service or benefit to the student;
  • Maintaining safety and security on campus

When in doubt, don’t give it out.
Request assistance from Registrar‘s Office.
Refer the requestor to the Registrar‘s Office.

Departments will:

• Facilitate and deliver University FERPA Standards education for employees
• Facilitate and deliver University FERPA Standards training for employees
• Facilitate University FERPA Standards awareness for employees
• Document delivery of education, training, and awareness activities
• Assess and document the validity and performance of education, training, and awareness initiatives
• Ensure adequate knowledge levels of employees before granting authorized access to student information
• Coordinate and cooperate with the Information Assurance Office as needed for consultation, audit, and assessment of compliance with these standards

The University FERPA Compliance Manager will:

• Create and revise University FERPA standards as necessary to comply with FERPA standards
• Notify departments of revisions to University FERPA standards
• Facilitate annual student notification as required by FERPA standards
• Provide consultation to departments regarding FERPA and University FERPA Standards

The University Information Assurance Office will:

• Provide consultation to departments to facilitate operational compliance with these standards
• Facilitate departmental compliance reporting through audit, observation, and assessment

Definitions:

Directory Information as defined by Liberty University:

• Full name
• Address--including e-mail address
• Telephone number
• Date and place of birth
• Major field of study
• Dates of attendance
• Height and weight of student athletes
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Degrees and awards received
• Most recent previous education institution or agency attended
• Current enrollment status

Student education information:

• Any information which pertains to a student that is not defined as directory
  information

Revised February 20, 2006