FERPA (Privacy Rights of Students)

In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), an individual enrolled at Bryant University is listed as an eligible student and any rights previously accorded to parents under the Act are transferred to the student.

Information contained in the educational record of the student may not be released without the student’s written consent, except as indicated in the Act.

1. The Bryant University student has the right to inspect and review those records, files, documents, and other materials that contain information directly related to the student and which are maintained by the University, but with the following exceptions:

1.1 Records of institutional, supervisory, and administrative personnel, and educational personnel that are in the sole possession of the maker, and that are not accessible or revealed to any other person except a substitute.

1.2 Records that are created or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other recognized professional or paraprofessional.

1.3 Confidential letters and statements of recommendation that were placed in the educational records prior to January 1, 1975.

1.4 Records maintained solely for law enforcement purposes.

1.5 Parents’ financial records and related parental financial information.

2. Who has access to records:

2.1 The student (former or present) upon presentation of proper identification.

2.2 Other University officials, including faculty within the University or local educational agencies who have been determined by the responsible official to have legitimate educational interest.

2.3 Officials of other schools in which the student seeks to enroll, upon condition that the student is aware of the transfer, receive a copy of the record if desired, pays the appropriate fee, and has the opportunity to challenge the content of the record.

2.4 Authorized government officials as described in the Act.

2.5 Authorities to whom request for financial aid has been made.

2.6 State and local officials or authorities specifically required by the Act.

2.7 Authorized organizations conducting studies on behalf of educational agencies, provided such studies do not disclose personally identifiable materials.

2.8 Accrediting organizations.

2.9 Parents of a dependent student as defined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.

2.10 Authorized persons, if the knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons.

2.11 Compliance with judicial order or subpoena – the student is to be notified in advance of compliance.

3. Other than the routine in-office use of the record, the purpose for requesting access must be indicated.

4. The University maintains records in many media including but not limited to handwriting, print, tapes, microfilm, microfiche, and computer disks.

5. Policy on Review, Appeal, and Expungency of Record:

5.1 Upon receipt of a written request to review the record, an appointment will be arranged.

5.2 In the event that some item is challenged by the student, an appeal may be made, described by the particular office (e.g., in the case of an academic item, after meeting with the appropriate academic Dean, the matter may be pursued to the University Committee on Scholastic Standing for its recommendation to the Provost).

5.3 A favorable decision on the appeal would result in the item being expunged.

6. Copies of Records:

6.1 The student, upon payment of a $5 fee per item ($10 for a faxed copy), may obtain a copy of his or her academic transcript generated by the University.

6.2 Copies of records generated from other institutions must be secured from such institutions subject to their policies.

7. Student Directory Information:

7.1 Name, address, e-mail address, telephone listing, date, and place of birth.

7.2 Major field of study and class schedule.

7.3 Participation in officially recognized activities and sports, including weight and height of members of athletic teams.

7.4 Dates of attendance.

7.5 Distinguished academic performance, degrees and awards received, including dates.

7.6 Most recent previous educational agency or institution attended.

7.7 Photographic view or electronic images.

7.8 Unless the student requests to the contrary, all of the above directory information will be published by the University as appropriate. A request not to publish must be made annually in writing to the Office of the Registrar within two weeks of the start of the fall semester.

8. The privacy of Bryant students and their parents is protected under the authority of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-380) as amended (P.L.93-568), also known as the Buckley Amendment.

9. Waivers:

9.1 The University cannot require eligible students to waive their rights.

9.2 A student may waive the right of access to confidential statements submitted on or after January 1, 1975.

9.2.1 A student has the right to know the names of all persons making confidential recommendations. Such recommendations are used solely for the purpose for which they were intended.

9.2.2 Waivers may not be required as a condition for admission to, receipt of financial aid from, or receipt of any other services or benefits from such agency or institution of the University.