Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)
Undergraduate Policy | Graduate Policy
Student Records Policy
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, better known as the Buckley Amendment or FERPA, generally provides that students shall have the right of access to their educational records, and educational institutions shall not release educational records to nonschool employees without consent of the student. Except in certain narrowly defined circumstances, "students" as used in this notice includes former students.
Right of Access
With a few exceptions provided by law, students at Azusa Pacific University may see any of their educational records upon request. In general, access will be granted immediately upon request to the record custodian, but if delay is necessary, access must be granted no later than 45 days after request. Students further have the right, under established procedures, to challenge the factual accuracy of the records and to enter their viewpoints in the records. Students may waive their right of access to recommendations and evaluations in the cases of admissions, application for employment, and nomination for awards. Azusa Pacific University may not require students to sign a waiver of their right of access to their records, but students should be aware that recommendations and evaluations may not be very helpful or candid without a signed waiver.
Disclosure of Student Records
With certain exceptions provided by law, Azusa Pacific University cannot release information concerning students, other than directory information, from their education records to anyone other than university officials without the written consent of the student. Students and alumni applying for jobs, credit, graduate school, etc., can expedite their applications by providing the university with written permission to release specific records and to which parties the releases should be made.
The student's written consent is not required for the disclosure of grades, disciplinary action, or other information to parents of students who are dependents for federal income tax purposes. Parents requesting information regarding dependent students must demonstrate federal income dependency by submitting their most recent federal income tax return.
The university has designated the following categories as directory information, which may, at the university's discretion, be released to the public without consent of the student: student's name and maiden name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study and courses taken, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height (of members of athletic teams), dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, all previous educational agencies or institutions attended, current class schedule, employer, church membership, photographs, and parents' names, addresses, and telephone listings.
It is the general policy of the university not to release directory information regarding its students unless, in the judgment of the appropriate record custodian or other officials with record access, such release either serves a legitimate educational purpose or is not adverse to the interests and privacy of the student. However, the student may request that certain categories of directory information not be released to the public without his/her written consent. Such requests shall be submitted in accordance with the student records policy of the university.
This notice is not intended to fully explain students' rights under FERPA. The Office of the Registrar maintains copies of the official Azusa Pacific University Student Records Policy, which contain detailed information and procedures with regard to these rights. Students may obtain a copy of the written policy upon request to the Office of the Registrar, Azusa Pacific University, PO Box 7000, Azusa, California 91702-7000. Any student alleging failure of the university to comply with FERPA may file a complaint with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Office, United States Department of Education, 4511 Switzer Building, 330 C St. SW, Washington, DC 20201.
