Access to Educational Records
Every student has certain rights regarding access to his/her own educational records and the disclosure of information from those records to others. The rights of IRSC students are clearly specified and protected by law as stated in two District Board of Trustees Rules: 6Hx117.31 Student Records and 6Hx117.32 Student Directory Information.
Board Rule 6Hx117.31, Student Records, states:
The College maintains student records in accordance with Federal and State law, Florida Statutes, and State Board of Education Rules. Such records are confidential and exempt from F.S. 119.07(1) and are open to inspection only as provided in F.S. 288.075 and AP-7.31, Procedure for Accessing Student Records.
In compliance with Federal law and Florida Statute, directory information may be released under the conditions set forth in Board Policy, 6Hx11-7.32.
Board Rule 6Hx11-7.32, Student Directory Information, states: Pursuant to Florida Statute, 1002.21 and 1002.22 and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the College may publish and release general public directory information relating to students.
Student directory information includes a student’s name, address, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of College attendance, degrees, awards, and scholarships received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student. Directory information will be subject to release in accordance with F.S. 1002.21 and 1002.22, and Federal Regulation 34CFR Part 99. In conjunction with United States Code (U.S.C.) Title 10 Section 983, also referred to as the Solomon Amendment, IRSC is authorized to release directory information to official United States military recruiters upon written request.
Students who wish to prevent the disclosure of their directory information must submit a written notice to the Office of Admissions and Records. Such written notice shall be maintained in the student’s file and remain in force until rescinded in writing. All other student record information shall be considered limited access information in accordance with the statute.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act further states that when a student reaches the age of 18 or begins attending a postsecondary institution, regardless of age, FERPA rights transfer from the parent to the student. Therefore, all students who enroll in IRSC are protected by FERPA and shall have the following rights:
1. The right to inspect and review their education records maintained by IRSC. Copies of records are not provided unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for students to review their records.
2. The right to request correction to their records which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. If IRSC makes a determination not to amend the record, students then have the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if IRSC still decides not to amend the record, students have the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information.
3. The right to limit disclosure of personally identifiable information. Written permission is required to release personally identifiable information from their education records. Written permission shall include the student's signature, written or electronic, where authentication of the electronic signature is validated by use of the student's personal PIN. However, FERPA allows disclosure of those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions (34 CFR § 99.31):
- School officials defined as instructional, support, or administrative within an educational agency or institution who have a legitimate educational interest;
- Information designated as directory information;
- Other schools to which a student seeks or intends to enroll;
- Appropriate parties in connection with enrollment and degree verifications;
- Authorized representatives of Federal, State or local educational authorities;
- Appropriate parties in connection with Financial Aid records;
- Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;
- Accrediting organizations;
- To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
- Appropriate parties, including parents, where a significant threat to the health or safety of a student, or other individual exists; and
- Disclosure to a parent of a student under the age of 21 concerning violation of laws or policies regarding the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance.
4. The right to file a complaint with the Department of Education concerning an alleged failure by IRSC to comply with FERPA regulations.
In addition to the exceptions noted herein for release of personally identifiable information, parents may obtain non-directory information in compliance with a subpoena or at the discretion of the institution if one of the following conditions has been met:
- Student completion of a Release of Records authorization form available at any IRSC campus.
- Submission of evidence that the parent declares the student as a dependent on his or her most recent Federal Income Tax form.
Questions regarding this annual notification of student FERPA rights may be directed to the Office of Admissions and Records at 772-462-7460.