FERPA

Family Education Rights & Privacy Act

Union Institute & University has a long-standing commitment to the concern for and protection of students’ rights and privacy of information. Union Institute & University complies with the provisions of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended. Students have the right to inspect, review, and challenge the accuracy of their education records.

Release of Information

Directory information may be released for any purpose at the discretion of the institution. Union has designated the following items to be in Directory Information: name, address, email, telephone number, dates of attendance, academic program/center, class standing/hours earned, majors and/or concentrations, and/or areas of specialization, faculty advisor, enrollment status, previous institution(s) attended, awards, honors and degree(s) conferred (including dates).

If the student does not wish to have this information released for any purpose, including (for example), the student directory and press releases, he or she must inform the registrar’s office, in writing, at the beginning of each term. If the correspondence is not received in the registrar’s office at the time of registration, the above information will be disclosed by the institution for the remainder of the academic year.

Right to Review Student Records

Once enrolled, students have the right to review their educational records, except those excluded by the law (medical and counseling records, law enforcement records). To review student records, contact the Registrar’s Office.

It is the policy of this institution that the types of student records referred to in this statement may be reviewed by any qualified student. The University must comply with the student’s request within 45 days. Copies of any portion of the record will be provided at cost, except transcripts of the permanent academic record, for which the University’s transcript policy will apply.

Disclosure of Educaiton Records

All student records will be treated with confidentiality. University faculty and staff have access to student records on an educational need-to-know basis. The office responsible for any particular student record will be responsible for ensuring that confidentiality is maintained. Exceptions exist for FERPA authorized disclosures without consent. Contact the Registrar for a complete list of exceptions.

Contact the Registrar’s Office for a complete description of student’s rights and obligations under FERPA. Students have the right to file with the U.S. Department of Education, a complaint concerning alleged failures by Union Institute & University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. Written complaints should be directed to The Family Policy Compliance Office. U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-5920.