FERPA

What is FERPA?

FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, is a law that helps protect the privacy of your school records. Understanding how it works is essential, especially as a high school student.

Parent/Guardian Rights

Parents or guardians have certain rights regarding their child's education records when a student is under 18 or not attending a postsecondary institution.

They can:

Review their child's education records.
Correct any inaccurate information.
Provide written consent for the release of information.
File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education.
Obtain a copy of the institution's FERPA policies.

Your Rights as a Student

When you're in high school, FERPA gives you certain rights.

You can:

You can view your own education records kept by the school.
If you find any mistakes in your records, you have the right to request corrections.
Giving written consent is needed before the school can share your information with others.
You can file a complaint if you believe your rights under FERPA have been violated.
You're entitled to know the school's FERPA policies.

Dual Credit Programs and FERPA

If you're involved in programs like Willamette Promise or other dual credit opportunities, things change a bit:

As you're considered a postsecondary student, your parents or guardians do not have direct access to your records about dual credit.
Information about your dual credit education may only be shared with you or school officials with a legitimate educational interest.
It's your choice whether to share your records with your parents.

Understanding FERPA Terms

Directory Information: This is non-sensitive information that can be shared without violating your privacy.
Education Records: These are the documents and information your school and educational institutions keep about you.
Eligible Student: That's you! If you're 18 or attending a postsecondary institution, you're in charge of your own records.
Legitimate Educational Interest: This means someone needs access to your records to do their job at the school.
School Official: These are people like teachers, counselors, and staff who have permission to see your records.

Sharing Dual Credit Information

Who can the Educational Agency/Institution release student information to?	High School	Western Oregon or Oregon Tech	Willamette Promise
School Official with legitimate educational interest	Yes	Yes	Yes
Student	Yes	Yes	Yes
Parent/Guardian	No	No	No

Confirming Your Identity

The following information may be asked of you to confirm your identity for releasing information.

Your first and last name
Your date of birth
The high school you attend
Your expected graduation year

Willamette Promise Directory Information:

Specific details about you might be shared without your permission. These include:

Your first and last name
Your current mailing address and phone number
Your graduation year
The high school you attend
If you're attending Western Oregon University (WOU) or Oregon Tech (OT)

Learn more:

Willamette Promise Program Overview

Benefits for Students

Types of Dual Credit

Satisfactory Academic Progress