FERPA
What is FERPA?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The act applies to all institutions that are the recipients of federal aid administered by the Secretary of Education. FERPA is enforced by the Family Policy Compliance Office within the U.S. Department of Education. To view this as a PDF, click here.
Guidelines for Students
Students’ rights regarding their education records include the following:
- To inspect and review education records.
- To request an amendment of education records believed to be inaccurate or misleading.
- To consent to the disclosure of personally identifiable information and, conversely, to block the disclosure of information that is considered “directory” in nature.
Personally identifiable information may be shared in the following situations:
- The student has signed a release which is on file in the Office of Admissions and Records.
- The information is requested by another Gavilan College Office or employee with a legitimate educational interest in the information requested.
- The information has been subpoenaed and the student notified of that fact.
- The information is required through a court order.
- The information has been requested by an authorized representative of a federal- or state supported program in order to comply with legal requirements related to those programs
Directory Information:
One exception permitted by FERPA is the release of Directory Information to parties outside Gavilan College. Directory information may be released without student authorization.
Directory Information includes:
- Student name
- Dates of Attendance
- Program of Study
- Degrees and awards received
- Honor roll: President's and Dean's List
For athletic purposes, coaches and athletic director may release:
- Student name
- Dates of Attendance
- Most recent previous school attended
- Program of Study
- Participation in officially recognized sports
- Height and weight of athletic team members
- High school of graduation
- Athletic awards
- Degrees and awards received
- Honor roll: President' and Dean's List
note: Students may withhold Directory Information by completing the opt out portion of the STUDENT RECORDS RELEASE AUTHORIZATION FORM.
Student Records Release Authorization Form
Gavilan College must have a student’s written authorization before sharing any information to third parties. Regardless of age.
Third parties include:
- Parents and/or Guardians
- Spouses
- i.e. any one other than the student
Information that will not be released without consent of the student
- Gavilan ID number
- Social Security
- grades
- ethnicity
- academic progress
Gavilan College Policy