1. Team Starbury Familes Grapple with Student Privacy

2. The Issue… Federal law prohibits colleges and universities from releasing student information reports without consent of student. Information includes: Grades Disciplinary actions

3. Exceptions to the Rule School deems there is a “health or safety” emergency Parents declared the student dependent on taxes Drug or alcohol violation under the age of 21

4. FERPA Waiver Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Covers all student’s educational records Schools interpret the law differently Some schools disclose student information without waiver Some don’t disclose even if waiver is signed

5. FERPA Alternative Not all schools offer waivers Some write a letter of consent Letter should state: Exactly what information should be released Who to share it with

6. Importance of FERPA Waiver Prevent unforeseen school tragedies Ex: Virginia Tech Let’s parents know what is going on in child’s life while away from home Indirectly keeps students focused

7. Objections to FERPA Waiver College is a time to learn maturity and responsibility Makes student feel less independent Mrs. Elizabeth Heinz and her son Alexander When asked to sign he said he’d think about it Claims it “felt like a violation of his independence”

8. FERPA at ONU Educational records maintained by the University: Academic Records Financial Records Computer and network use records Disciplinary Records Employment Records Security Records Medical and Counseling Records

9. ONU Policy With Consent The University will not disclose personally identifiable information contained in a student’s education records without prior written consent, except as authorized by applicable state or federal law. Written consent must be obtained from students who are at least eighteen years old or from the students’ parent or legal custodian, if the student is under eighteen years old. Educational records, with the exception of those social disciplinary records involving misconduct under ONU’s Student Code of Conduct, will not be disclosed to either parent of a student who is at least eighteen years old without that student’s consent. Social disciplinary records may be disclosed to the parent claiming the student as a dependent for tax purposes. Educational records will also be disclosed to persons who have power of attorney for the student.* *Cited from Ohio Northern University Student Handbook 2007-2008

10. Questions???