Access to Confidential Information by Others

Confidential information contained in a student’s records will not be released to other parties without the student’s written consent. Written requests must specify the records to be released, state the purpose of the disclosure, identify the party or class of parties to whom disclosure may be made, and be signed and dated by the student. Exceptions are listed below, and information is given only with the understanding that such information may not be passed on to a third party without the student’s written consent.

The College will maintain a record of all persons other than College personnel who have obtained access to a student’s records. The College record will include the legitimate reason that the outside party has for reviewing the student’s education record.

Persons and agencies who may review student records without student consent including the following:

College personnel having a legitimate need for information as a result of their College duties;
Colleges, universities, and other academic institutions at which the student wishes to enroll;
Agencies and their representatives requesting financial aid information in connection with students’ application for or receipt of financial aid;
State and local officials to whom the College must release information as required by a state stature or administrative regulation adopted before November 19. 1974;
State and federal officials for auditing and evaluating federally-supported education programs or enforcing legal requirements related to these programs;
Organizations conducting studies for the College, including the development, validation. or administration of student aid programs, and improvement of instruction;
Persons acting pursuant to a judicial order or subpoena, providing the College notifies the student before complying;
Appropriate persons if necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or others; and
Parents of an eligible student who is claimed as a dependent for income tax purposes.

Waiving FERPA Rights

A student may waive his or her FERPA rights by providing written consent prior to disclosure to third parties. Students can complete a FERPA waiver through myRichland > My Student Info > Academic Info > Releasing My Info. The student can grant third parties (including parents) access to Academics, Business Office, Financial Aid, and other information.