Student Rights Under FERPA
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The right to inspect and review education records within 45 days from the day the university receives a request for access. The student should submit a written request to the Office of Student Records and identify the record(s) he/she wishes to inspect. The staff of the office will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the requested records are not maintained in the Office of Student Records, the student will be notified of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
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The right to request an amendment to the student's education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. The student should write the Office of Student Records, clearly identify the part of the record he/she wants changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the university decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the university will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing will be provided to the student when notified of the hearing.
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The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the students education records with certain restrictions. In general, no personally identifiable information from a students education record will be disclosed to any third party without written consent from the student. Several exceptions exist, including these selected examples: (1) Information defined by SMU as directory information may be released unless the student sends a written request to the registrar that it be withheld; (2) Information authorized by student through my.SMU Self-Service; and (3) Information may be released to a parent or guardian if the student is declared financially dependent upon the parent or guardian as set forth in the Internal Revenue Code .
Complaints
Students have the right to file a complaint with the U. S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the college to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U. S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave., SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-5920