400.020 Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)

400.020 FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA) PROCEDURE

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a federal law protecting the privacy of student education records, applying to schools receiving U.S. Department of Education funds. It grants parents/eligible students rights to review records, request amendments, and control disclosure of personally identifiable information.

A. DEFINITIONS:

1. Education Records: Records directly related to a student and maintained by Wenatchee Valley College (WVC) or a party acting for WVC.
2. Personally Identifiable Information: Information that can identify a student, including name, address, ID numbers or indirect identifiers.
3. Eligible Student: A student who is 18 years old or enrolled in a postsecondary institution.
4. Directory Information: Information not generally considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed.

B. STUDENT RIGHTS UNDER FERPA (34 CFR 99.4–99.5)

1. Right to Inspect and Review Records
   Students may inspect and review their education records within 45 days of submitting a written request. WVC will arrange access and notify the student of the time and place for review.
2. Right to Request Amendment
   Students may request corrections to records they believe are inaccurate, misleading, or violate privacy rights. If WVC denies the request, the student may request a formal hearing.
3. Right to Control Disclosure of personal identifying information.
   WVC must obtain written consent before releasing personally identifiable information from education records, except where FERPA permits disclosure without consent (see Section D.)
4. Right to File a Complaint
   Students may file complaints with the U.S. Department of Education regarding alleged FERPA violations: Student Privacy Policy Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Ave. SW Washington, DC 20202.

C. ANNUAL NOTIFICATION (34 CFR 99.7)

1. WVC annually notifies students of their FERPA rights through:
   1. The WVC Catalog.
   2. The WVC website.
   3. Orientation materials.

D. DISCLOSURE OF EDUCATION RECORDS

1. Disclosures Requiring Prior Written Consent (34 CFR 99.30)
   WVC requires written consent before releasing personally identifiable information unless an exception applies.
   Consent must specify:
   1. Records to be disclosed,
   2. Purpose of disclosure, and/or
   3. Parties to whom disclosure may be made.
2. Disclosures Allowed Without Consent (34 CFR 99.31)
   FERPA permits disclosure without consent to:
   1. School officials with legitimate educational interest.
   2. Other schools where the student seeks or intends to enroll.
   3. Federal, state, and local authorities for audit or evaluation.
   4. Financial aid providers.
   5. Organizations conducting studies for WVC.
   6. Accrediting organizations.
   7. Parents of dependent students (per IRS rules).
   8. Compliance with judicial orders or subpoenas.
   9. Health and safety emergencies.
   10. Victims of certain disciplinary incidents.

E. DIRECTORY INFORMATION (34 CFR 99.37)

1. WVC may release the following directory information without prior consent unless a student opts out:
   1. Name.
   2. Major field of study.
   3. Dates of attendance.
   4. Degrees, honors and awards.
   5. Participation in activities and sports.
   6. Weight/height of athletes.
   7. Most recent institution attended.

WVC does not publish a student directory. However, in compliance with the Solomon Amendment, WVC is required to supply student names, addresses, phone listing, date/place of birth, level of education, and degrees received to military recruiters if properly requested. Students may restrict the release of directory information. Contact enrollment services for additional information.

Approved by the president’s cabinet: 5/12/26
Last reviewed: 5/12/26
Policy contact: Student Services  

Related policies and procedures

1400.020 Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act Policy