Student Privacy Rights
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:
1. The right to inspect and review education records.
Students may submit a written request to inspect their education records to the Registrar, or other appropriate College official. The College will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where records may be reviewed. If the requested records are not maintained by the official to whom the request was submitted, the student will be advised of the appropriate official.
2. The right to request an amendment of education records.
Students may request that the College amend a record believed to be inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of privacy rights. Requests must be submitted in writing to the College official responsible for the record and must clearly identify the information to be changed and the reason for the request.
If the College determines that an amendment will not be made, the student will be notified in writing of the decision and their right to a hearing. Additional information regarding hearing procedures will be provided at that time.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information in the student's education records, except where FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
The College may disclose education records without prior written consent to school officials with a legitimate educational interest. A school official may include:
- College or Foundation employees in administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff roles;
- Contractors, consultants, or agents providing services to the College (e.g., attorneys, auditors, collection agencies);
- Employees of partner institutions engaged in joint instructional activities;
- Members of the District Board of Trustees or Foundation Board of Directors; or
- Students or others serving on official College committees (e.g., disciplinary, grievance, scholarship) or assisting a school official.
A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record to fulfill professional responsibilities for the College.
Upon request, the College may also disclose records to officials of another institution in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
Confidentiality (Non-Disclosure Requests)
Students who wish to restrict disclosure of directory information may submit a Student Consent to Release/Withhold Education Records Form accessed through MyVC. A confidentiality hold prevents the College from releasing directory information and remains in effect until the student rescinds the request in writing or graduates. Students with active confidentiality holds will not appear in public recognition materials such as honors lists or the Commencement program.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education.
Students may file a complaint concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with FERPA by contacting:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5901
Additional FERPA information is available at Valencia College General Counsel Policy page or the U.S. Department of Education FERPA page.
Directory Information
FERPA allows institutions to release certain "directory information" without prior consent, unless the student has submitted a request for confidentiality. Valencia College has designated the following as directory information:
- Student's name
- Major field of study
- Dates of attendance
- Degrees, honors, and awards received
