Parent Resources

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.

FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are “eligible students.”

Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student’s education records maintained by the school. Schools are not required to provide copies of records unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible students to review the records. Schools may charge a fee for copies.
Parents or eligible students have the right to request that a school correct records which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information.
Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to release any information from a student’s education record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions (34 CFR § 99.31):

School officials with legitimate educational interest;

Other schools to which a student is transferring;

Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes;

Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;

Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;

Accrediting organizations;

To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;

Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and

State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.

Schools may disclose, without consent, “directory” information such as a student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. However, schools must tell parents and eligible students about directory information and allow parents and eligible students a reasonable amount of time to request that the school not disclose directory information about them. Schools must notify parents and eligible students annually of their rights under FERPA. The actual means of notification (special letter, inclusion in a PTA bulletin, student handbook, or newspaper article) is left to the discretion of each school.

For additional information or technical assistance, you may call (202) 260-3887 (voice). Individuals who use TDD may call the Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.

Or you may contact us at the following address:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-5920

Information from: http://www.ed.gov/print/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html – Last Modified: 12/23/2008

IPR Attendance Policy – Key Points

100% Attendance expectation – highly technical, detailed and concentrated material. Students will need all the information.

80% Attendance is mandatory – students who miss more than 20% in any one class will lose that class. Students should not count classes this is a losing philosophy and the hour value differs. Miscalculations are likely. Just go to class.

Missing class – it is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor and get missed materials and assignments. This will aid in achieving successful outcomes in the class.

If IPR drops a student from a class, the student still pays for the class.

If the class is required for the student’s program, it will need to be retaken and paid for again.

When dropped from class for excessive absence, students receive a WI for a grade. This class will count as an attempt. Courses lost or dropped after the end of the ninth week (75%) of the quarter will receive an F for a grade.

Class Make-up – With Instructor approval, it is possible to make-up missed class sessions. Students should take action as soon as possible for the very first absence. This means students should email instructors before the absence if possible and ask for permission to make-up the class. If approved, students must complete all paperwork and the make-up assignment within 1 ½ weeks of the absence. Students cannot, however, make-up the class which puts the student over the 20% bench mark for missed attendance. It is crucial to act professionally and promptly. If you have questions, ask early.

6/09 RB

IPR Quick Resource Guide

(IPR 612-375-1900 or 1-866-477-4840)