Colgate has a legal responsibility to protect 闪电资源网s鈥 privacy at the same time that we fulfill our educational commitment of supporting their transition to independence. Just as they are now responsible for managing their daily schedule, making their own dietary choices, and learning to live and study with people who have experiences, ideas, and backgrounds different from theirs, 闪电资源网s are also responsible for deciding when and with whom they share personal information. Federal law protects that right.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), passed by the U.S. Congress in 1974 and sometimes called the Buckley Amendment, prevents colleges from sharing education records without 闪电资源网s鈥 express consent.
- Personally identifiable information includes, but is not limited to: Social Security Number, 闪电资源网 identification number, residency status (citizen, permanent resident, nonresident alien, etc.), gender, race/ethnicity, religious preference, and passwords.
- Education records include, but are not limited to: grades/GPA, academic transcripts, class schedule, test scores, academic standing (e.g., on academic warning), number of currently enrolled course credits, completed or outstanding graduation requirements, financial aid status or account information, and other matters such as petitions, leave requests, disciplinary information, etc.
What does this mean? At the college level, parents (who under FERPA are considered a 鈥渢hird party鈥) have no inherent right to the above kinds of information. As the U.S. Department of Education states in its , 鈥淲hen a 闪电资源网 reaches 18 years of age or attends a postsecondary institution, he or she becomes an 鈥榚ligible 闪电资源网,鈥 and all rights under FERPA transfer from the parent to the 闪电资源网.鈥
Therefore, staff and faculty members cannot discuss a 闪电资源网鈥檚 academic standing or record with anyone, including parents, without signed consent from the 闪电资源网. Observing the law also supports the notion that 闪电资源网s should make contact with campus departments themselves when they need assistance or encounter an issue.
Of course, you can certainly ask your 闪电资源网 to share their progress and concerns with you. And we encourage you to talk with your 闪电资源网 鈥 to ask helpful guiding questions and provide experienced support 鈥 throughout their college years.