FERPA – STUDENT RIGHTS & PRIVACY

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal Law which gives students certain rights with respect to their educational records.

Once a student reaches 18 years of age or attends a postsecondary institution, he or she becomes an "eligible student," and all rights formerly given to parents under FERPA transfer to the student.

Under FERPA students have the right to:

  • control the disclosure of personally identifiable information (PII) (except in certain circumstances specified in the FERPA regulations)
  • access their education records,
  • seek to have the records amended,
  • file a complaint with the Department of Education.

DIRECTORY INFORMATION

Colorado Mountain College hereby gives notice that it has designated certain items as "Directory Information" under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.

The following Directory Information concerning students at Colorado Mountain College can be disclosed without prior written consent:

  • Student name
  • dates of attendance
  • enrollment status
  • degrees and awards received
  • activity and sports participation
  • major

Currently enrolled students may choose to withhold disclosure of directory information by submitting the Request to Withhold Directory Information to the Registrar’s Office. Information will be held confidential and the request is effective until rescinded, in writing, by the student.

DISCLOSURE OF EDUCATION RECORDS

Educational records are protected and can only be released to a third party with written consent from the student.

If a student wants to allow their parent(s) or guardian (or another individual) access to their educational records they must submit a FERPA Release Of Information Waiver . The release of information waiver authorizes Colorado Mountain College to release any and all information from a student’s education record to the student’s parent(s) guardian (or other individual) designated on the form. This authorization remains in effect until rescinded by the student.

If a student requires the release of specific information for a specific purpose; for example a copy of their immunization records or a grade verification for a scholarship they must submit a FERPA Consent To Release Specific Confidential Information. This authorization is only in force for the specified request. Additional information for additional individuals/agencies must be requested separately.

Please note:
There are some circumstances where Colorado Mountain College can release information from your educational records without written consent according to specific exceptions in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). Please see the catalog for more information.

If you have questions concerning FERPA, contact the Colorado Mountain College Registrar’s Office at registrar@coloradomtn.edu.

FERPA FAQs for Students

Can you discuss my CMC records with my parents/guardian?

No. Not unless you have submitted the FERPA Release of Information Waiver indicating that you have given consent for us to do so.

What is FERPA?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal Law which gives students certain rights with respect to their educational records.

My parent/guardian had access to my high school records, why don’t they have access to my college records?

Under FERPA, once a student reaches 18 years of age or attends a postsecondary institution, they become an "eligible student," and all rights formerly given to parents/guardians under FERPA transfer to the student.

My parents pay my school bill, can they see my student account and invoices?

No. Account information and billing and invoices are confidential. This information is protected under FERPA and parents/guardians do not have access to it unless the student has submitted the FERPA Release of Information Waiver.

My parents want proof that I am enrolled in school can they ask CMC directly for this information?

Yes. Enrollment status is considered directory information and so CMC can release enrollment verification to parents/guardians, unless the student has requested to withhold directory information. We can provide this information verbally. If it is needed in writing requests should be made using the Verification of Enrollment form.

Can my parents/guardian find out my grades?

No. Course progress, grades, or other information pertaining to student education records are confidential. This information is protected under FERPA and parents/guardians do not have access to it unless the student has submitted the FERPA Release of Information Waiver.

Will CMC notify my parents/guardian if I am put on academic probation or academic suspension?

No. Information about grades and academic standing is sent directly to students. Unless you have submitted the FERPA Release of Information Waiver we are unable to discuss this with your parents.

I would like CMC to be able to talk to my parents/guardian about my educational record, how I can I allow this?

Students can allow their parents/guardian access to their education records by submitting the FERPA Release of Information Waiver.

Can CMC contact my parents/guardian in crisis situations or emergencies?

If non-directory information is needed to resolve a crisis or emergency situation, CMC may release that information if it determines it necessary to protect the health and safety of a student.

Whom do I contact with questions or concerns?

Please contact campus staff if you have any questions relating to FERPA.

Where can I find out more information about FERPA?

The U.S Department of Education https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/

FERPA FAQs for Parents

Can you discuss my child's CMC records with me?

No. Not unless your child has submitted the FERPA Release of Information Waiver indicating that they have given consent for us to do so.

What is FERPA?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal Law which gives students certain rights with respect to their educational records.

I had access to my child’s high school records, why don’t I have access to their college records?

Under FERPA, once a student reaches 18 years of age or attends a postsecondary institution, they become an "eligible student," and all rights formerly given to parents under FERPA transfer to the student.

I pay my child’s school bill, can I see my student’s account and invoice?

No. Account information and billing and invoices are confidential. This information is protected under FERPA and parents do not have access to it unless the student has submitted the FERPA Release of Information Waiver.

Can you verify that my child is enrolled as a student at CMC?

Yes. Enrollment status is considered directory information and so CMC can release enrollment verification to parents, unless the student has requested to withhold directory information. We can provide this information verbally. If it is needed in writing requests should be made using the Verification of Enrollment form.

Can I ask for my child’s grades or a progress reports?

No. Course progress, grades, or other information pertaining to student education records are confidential. This information is protected under FERPA and parents do not have access to it unless the student has submitted the FERPA Release of Information Waiver.

Will CMC notify me if my child is put on academic probation or academic suspension?

No. Information about grades and academic standing is sent directly to students. Unless your child has submitted the FERPA Release of Information Waiver we are unable to discuss this with you.

How can my child grant me access to their education records?

Students can allow their parents or guardian access to their education records by submitting the FERPA Release of Information Waiver.

If there is a crisis situation or emergency will I be contacted?

If non-directory information is needed to resolve a crisis or emergency situation, CMC may release that information if it determines it necessary to protect the health and safety of a student.

Whom do I contact with questions or concerns?

Please contact campus staff if you have any questions relating to FERPA.

Where can I find out more information about FERPA?

The U.S Department of Education https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/

FERPA Rights