Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)

What is FERPA?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords eligible students and, in certain cases, students' parents, rights with respect to their education records. FERPA protects students who are matriculated at a post-secondary institution regardless of their age.

What are educational records?

Educational records, according to FERPA, are documents or materials that are maintained by MECA&D which contain personally identifiable information of an individual student. Almost all academic, financial, conduct, and administrative information (both print and electronic) are considered educational records.

What information can be released?

Directory information can be released by MECA&D without consent of the student unless the Registrar's Office receives written notification from the student not to release directory or any information. Other student records, billing, financial aid, conduct, schedules, and grades can be released if a student signs a FERPA waiver form from the Registrar's Office located in the Administrative Center.

What is directory information?

Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can be disclosed to outside organizations without a student's prior written consent. MECA&D considers the following as directory information: name, current academic level, student images including photographs and video recordings, and whether that student is currently enrolled at the campus.

Student Rights Under FERPA

• Inspect and review educational records within 45 days of the day Maine College of Art & Design receives a request for access.
• Request amendment of education records that the student believes are inaccurate.

Parent Rights Under FERPA

Parents may not have an automatic right to inspect their student's educational records. Parents who wish to access their student's records must have their student sign the FERPA waiver form in the Registrar's Office authorizing the parent, guardian, spouse, or any other person to view the student's record.

Contact Information

For more information about FERPA waivers, contact Anne E. Dennision, Registrar at 207.699.5054 or [email protected].