What you need to know about FERPA

As part of my new job, I had to complete a training on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, known as FERPA. Have you ever heard of it?  Basically, FREPA is the federal law that protects your student records and information, and who has access to it.

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As a first generation and low income college student you familiarize yourself with FERPA so that you know your rights. Here is what you should know about FERPA: 

That's not an option. Colleges that receive any funding from the federal government must follow FERPA. This includes private and for-profit institutions, too. 

Age is just a number. No matter how old you are, once you're in college FERPA applies to you. As a college student, FERPA applies to you whether or not you are over 18. 

That's okay. Schools are allowed to share your "directory" information without your permission. This includes your full name, home and school address, phone number, birthday, birthplace, and any awards or honors. If you don't want your directory information shared, you have the right to request your information be kept confidential. 

Sharing is not caring. Anything in your student record beside your directory information is considered to be confidential, things like your grades, class schedule, registration status, and disciplinary actions. For the most part, this information cannot be released without your written permission, even to your parents. 

Exceptions to the rule. There are certain circumstances when schools can release your information, like when they're under lawful subpoena, sharing it with another school you have applied to, or are being audited by the federal government.

Keeping it on campus. The other reason a school might share your information is when campus officials have a legitimate educational interest for your benefit to share it with other campus officials. For example, when the financial aid office has to confirm you are enrolled full-time with the registrar for an on-campus scholarship, both offices (and the officials in them) have the right to share your information. 

Annual notification. The school has to notify you every year about your rights under FERPA. How they do it is up to the school, which means it could be anything from a letter, an online announcement, ad in the school newspaper, or even skywriting at the big homecoming game. But, the school does not have to notify you personally, just make an attempt that is likely to reach most students.

It is your right as a student to know what's in your student records as well as understand who does and doesn't have access to your information. You can thank FERPA for that.

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it. 

Double check your student records

Ensuring the accuracy of your student records is your responsibility as college student, a responsibility you might not be aware of as a first generation or low income college student. 

You can find out what is in your student record by checking with your school's registrar or bursar or the online grades system. You should have access to everything in your own file unless it involves another student.

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The easiest way to make sure everything is correct is to keep all syllabuses, returned graded work, and tests. Whenever you get an assignment or test back, make sure the grade is right. Use all that to keep track of what your grades should be throughout the semester or quarter. Every time official grades come out, make sure you verify that the grades on your transcript are accurate.

And if your grades aren't what they should be, you will have all the evidence to help get your grade changed to be correct. Be sure to check the procedure for grade changes at your school and follow it. Most schools have a specific time frame for when you can request changes to your record, so make sure you follow through as soon as possible.

Remember, it is your responsibility to make sure your student record is accurate. so make sure you make sure.

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.

Don't feel pressured to drink in college

A lot of movies and news media attention given to college life focuses on alcohol use and abuse, including binge drinking and high-risk drunken antics. For a lot of first generation college students, this creates an expectation that college should involve drinking.

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But it doesn't have to. College students tend to overestimate how much their peers are drinking and feel pressured to keep up with that mistaken assumption. Don't feel pressured to drink in college or give into a negative peer environment. Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to drinking in college:

Not everyone is doing it. Don’t overestimate how much other students are drinking. Many college students drink two drinks or less when they party.

Know what’s at stake. You have rights and responsibilities when it comes to your conduct. Alcohol-related offenses can result in disciplinary action such as being kicked out of student housing or even being kicked out of college, so always understand the consequences of your behavior. And this may include both on- and off-campus behavior because it is common practice for city police to share student violations with campus authorities.

Avoid a party foul. If you decide to have a party, know that hosts are held accountable for their guests' conduct and safety. Make sure you responsibly control any service and drinking of alcohol, and don't let anyone drive drunk. Also, respect your neighbors’ rights and quality of life by informing them about your plans and keeping the ruckus down.

Be true to yourself. If you feel that you have to drink to have fun, that is a problem that you should get help to deal with. If you feel uncomfortable because friends are pressuring you to drink, that is also worth talking to someone about. Drinking should always be your personal choice made free of pressure, either from yourself or others.

Step up and educate yourself. If you find yourself in a situation where others are drinking irresponsibly, take personal responsibility for helping with a possible emergency. This means knowing your campus and community resources and using them when needed.  Life and safety issues take top priority over the fear of getting in trouble.

Always drink responsibly, if you choose to drink. Remember, if you are going to party, party safely.

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.