FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their dependent children's educational records. However, these rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 OR attends a school beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are "eligible students". The College of Charleston must have written permission from the eligible student in order to release any information from that student's education record…even in the case of a parent's request.
However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records without consent to the following parties or under the following conditions:
- School officials with legitimate educational interest;
- Other schools to which a student is transferring;
- Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes;
- Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;
- Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;
- Accrediting organizations;
- To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
- Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and
- State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.
Schools may disclose, without consent, "directory" information such as a student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. Note: Eligible students are allowed the opportunity to request the College not disclose directory information about them.
According to recent Congressional considerations, the College of Charleston has the discretion to disclose to a parent or legal guardian information about a violation of any federal, state or local law, or any rule or policy of the institution governing the use of possession of alcohol or a controlled substance, if the College determines that the student has committed a disciplinary violation with respect to such use or possession. |