FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED “FERPA”

Under the authority of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, the school has established a policy for the release of student and/or graduate information:

1. All students attending this postsecondary institution, parents of minor students and parents of tax-dependent student shall have the right to inspect, review and challenge their academic records, including grade, attendance, advising and any additional information contained in their education record or that of their minor or tax-dependent child. Students are not entitled to
inspect financial records of their parents. As a postsecondary educational institution, parental access to students’ records will be allowed without prior consent if the students are dependents as defined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.

2. Education records are defined as files, materials or documents that contain information directly related to students. The school President supervises records and access is afforded by school officials for purposes of recording grades, attendance and advising, as well as determining financial aid eligibility. Records are retained at the institution for a period of five years but maintained indefinitely.

3. Students may request a review of their records by writing to the Student Affairs/Student Services at the address in this catalog. The review will be allowed during regular school hours under appropriate supervision. Students may also obtain copies of their records for a nominal charge.

4. Students may challenge the record for purposes of correcting or deleting any of the contents. The changes must be made in writing, with the reason for the requested change stated fully. Grades and course evaluations can be challenged only on the grounds that they are improperly recorded. The Faculty and/or advisor involved will review the challenge and, if necessary, meet with the student, then determine whether to retain, change or delete the disputed grade.

5. If a student requests a further review, the school President will conduct a hearing, giving the student a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to disputed issues. The student shall be notified of the President’s decision, which will be final. Copies of challenges and/or written explanations regarding the contents of the students’ record will be included as part of the students’ record.

6. Directory information is information that may be unconditionally released to third parties by the school without the consent of the student unless the student specifically requests that the information not be released. The school requires students to present such requests in writing within 10 days of the date of enrollment. Directory information includes the student’s name,
address, telephone number(s), birth date and place, program undertaken, dates of attendance, and certificate or diploma awarded.

7. Written consent is required before education records may be disclosed to third parties with the exception of the accrediting commissions and government agencies so authorized by law.