Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (PL 93-380)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. Students have the right to inspect and review their education records and to request the amendment of their records if they believe they are inaccurate or misleading. Students also have the right to file complaints with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office concerning alleged failures by the institution to comply with the Act.

Under FERPA, information other than “directory information” cannot be given to a third party without the expressed written consent of the student with the exception of Newman officials and faculty for expressed educational interest. The university routinely publishes material classified as “directory information” which is acceptable within the Act. Newman University directory information includes the following: name; address (campus, home, e-mail); telephone numbers; Student ID; class standing (freshman, sophomore, etc.); major field(s) of study; course load status (full time, half time, etc.); dates of attendance; degree(s) conferred (including dates); awards; honors (including Dean’s List and graduation honors); past and present participation in officially recognized activities and sports; membership in campus organizations; physical factors (height, weight of athletes); photos of athletes; previous institution(s) attended. An individual, however, may direct that his or her name may not appear in directory information by notifying the registrar in writing at the time of his or her registration.

Questions concerning the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act may be referred to the Registrar’s Office.