VIII. Protection of Confidentiality of Educational Records
The college has established and enforces guidelines, which are in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 (Buckley Amendment). These guidelines delineate the information, which becomes a part of a student’s permanent educational records and govern the condition of its disclosure.
A. Content of Educational Records
A complete list of the educational records maintained by the college and the conditions that govern how the record may be reviewed is included in the appendix of this document.
B. Educational Records Appeal Procedures
If a student wishes to challenge information which is part of his or her educational record, the following procedures shall be followed:
1. The eligible student who believes that information contained in his or her educational records is inaccurate or misleading or violates his or her privacy or other rights may request that the college amend these records.
2. The college shall decide whether to amend the educational records of the student in accordance with the request, normally within two weeks of receipt of the request.
3. If the college decides to refuse to amend the educational records of the student in accordance with the request, it shall so inform the eligible student of the refusal and advise the student of the right to a hearing.
4. A hearing may not be requested by an eligible student to contest the assignment of a grade; however, a hearing may be requested to contest whether or not the assigned grade was recorded accurately in the educational records of the student.
C. Right to a Hearing
The method for requesting a hearing shall be a written appeal through the Vice President for Student Services office. The conduct of the hearing is outlined below.
1. The hearing shall normally be held within two weeks after the receipt of the request for said hearing.
2. The hearing shall be conducted and adjudicated by the chief officer of the campus.
3. The eligible student may have assistance from, or be represented by, an individual of his or her choice and at his or her own expense, including an attorney, in presenting his or her case.
4. A written copy of the decision shall normally be afforded the student within two weeks after the conclusion of the hearing by the chief officer of the campus.
D. Disputing the Hearing Decision
If the eligible student disagrees with results of the hearing, he or she has the right to place a statement to this effect, with reasons, in his or her educational records.
This statement shall be retained as long as the disputed information is on file and shall be forwarded with this information at any time it is disclosed to an outside agency. |
