Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. For more information visit the Department of Education FERPA page.

The Conservatory affords each student the opportunity to:

1. Request to inspect and review the student’s educational records. Students should submit a written request to the Registrar that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Registrar will notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2. Request the Registrar to amend the student’s educational records to the extent that the student believes is inaccurate. A written request must be made to the Registrar. The request should include all information which identifies the part of the record the student wants amended and why the student believes the record to be inaccurate. In the event that the Conservatory decides not to amend the record, the student will be advised of his/her right to a hearing.
3. Consent to the disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s educational records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. Exceptions which permit disclosure of student records without consent include: disclosure to the Conservatory officials with legitimate educational interests, to external entities per subpoena, to other institutions of higher education to which student may be an applicant, to parents under certain circumstances and to protect the health and safety of the Conservatory community.
4. "Directory Information" may be released at the discretion of the Conservatory. Under FERPA, students have the right to withhold the disclosure of the information listed below:
   • Name
   • E-mail address
   • ID photo
   • Telephone numbers
   • Enrollment status
   • Fax number
   • Student Profile Statement
   • Date of graduation
   • Dates of attendance
   • Degree program

If students wish to prevent disclosure of this information, please notify the Office of the Registrar in writing.

To allow disclosure of non-directory information to an individual the Office of the Registrar provides a FERPA Release Form . This form will be in students’ registration packets, but is always available online and in the Office of the Registrar.