Office of Student Conduct

FERPA

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT OF 1974 (FERPA)

FERPA is a Federal law that regulates how students’ educational records are maintained and under what provisions certain student records can/should be released. Throughout primary and secondary education, rights related to students’ educational records belong to parents or legal guardians of the student. When a student becomes 18 years of age or enters postsecondary education, these rights transfer to the student.

In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (See 513 of PL 93-380, Education Amendments of 1974, which amends the General Education Provisions Act, Sec. 438) students of the University of North Alabama are hereby informed of their right to access their official records as described in the Act.

FERPA also provides exceptions for release of information under certain circumstances. As provided for under FERPA, UNA notifies parents/guardians when certain violations of the Student Code of Conduct occur (see UNA Parental Notification Policy). A more complete statement of student rights under FERPA is available on the Department of Education website at http://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html

A student may examine his/her official academic record during working hours in the registrar’s office upon presentation of appropriate PICTURE identification.

The following is a list of directory information that may be made available regarding students of the University without their prior consent and is considered part of the public record of their attendance. Students who wish to withhold DIRECTORY INFORMATION should file such a request in the Office of the Registrar prior to the end of the registration period for any given term.

  1. Name, 
  2. Permanent and local addresses, 
  3. Telephone listing, 
  4. Major fields of study,
  5. Dates of attendance, 
  6. Degrees and awards received, 
  7. High school and other colleges and universities attended, 
  8. Participation in officially recognized organizations, activities, and sports,
  9. Weight and height of members of athletic teams, 
  10. Photographs, and
  11. E-mail addresses.

PARENTAL NOTIFICATION

A Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) amendment adopted in the fall of 1998, permits colleges and universities to inform the family of a student under 21 years of age when their student has been found in violation of university alcohol or other drug policies and/or in the case of a health or safety emergency. The University of North Alabama is concerned about the use of alcohol among minors and recognizes that parents are important partners in student success. As such, Student Conduct procedures include parental notification once a student under the age of 21 has been found in violation of an alcohol or other drug offense.

A letter of notification is sent by certified mail, generally within three business days of the determination that the student violated University alcohol or other drug policies.

For further information about FERPA, contact the Department's Family Policy Compliance Office:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U. S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave., S. W.
Washington, DC 20202-5920
202-260-3887

Additional information and guidance may be found at Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO) Web site at: http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/index.html