Your Student's Federal Right to Privacy

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FERPA and the Release of Student Information

The Family Education Rights and Privacy ACT (FERPA) of 1974 governs what information can be shared from a student’s file.

The information contained in student records is generally regarded as private and confidential and may not be released to anyone other than the student without the written consent of the student; this includes the student's parents and/or spouse. Public information is an exception and is given to any inquirer.

Public information includes the following data: name, local address and phone number, permanent address and phone number, place and date of birth, e-mail, number of academic hours completed, academic major, full or part time status, academic or non-academic honors, letters of commendation, high school attended, withdrawal date, other academic institutions attended, degree obtained and date conferred, campus activities, leadership positions, and dates of attendance.

At the time students register for courses, they may notify the Registrar in writing that public information relating to them may not be released. The appropriate form is available in the Registrar's Office. Restricting the release of public information directly affects publications, programs, and news releases concerning student activities, honors, and awards. Additional information on education records is released only upon written student request except to the following persons:

• Arkansas State University-Beebe staff with legitimate educational interest.

• Federal, state, and local officials as specified by law.

• Research and accreditation representatives.

A copy of the full text of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 is available in the Registrar's Office along with information about types of student records maintained at Arkansas State University-Beebe, the procedure for gaining access to records, and the procedure for challenging the contents of those records.