1) What rights are afforded a student under FERPA?

These rights include:

The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 3 days of the day the College receives a request for access. Students should submit to the Records Office, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The College official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the College official to whom the request was submitted does not maintain the records, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask the College to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the College official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the College decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the College 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 procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.

2) How does a student make Directory Information confidential?

"Directory Information" at Fort Lewis College will be made available to the general public unless the student notifies the Records Office of their intent to have this information confidential.  This notification must be made at the Records Office either in person or in writing before the last day to add classes (Census Day).  If Directory Information is requested to be confidential, the following procedures are in affect:

1. All transactions with academic offices at Fort Lewis College must be made in person with a photo ID.
2. Without written permission, Fort Lewis College will not acknowledge the student’s existence on campus for enrollment verifications or similar requests. ("Exceptions to this policy include requests from law enforcement agencies (including local, state and federal agencies) or situations involving the health and safety of the student or other individuals.")
3. The student’s record will remain confidential, even after graduation, unless the student signs a request asking for the directory information to become public.

3) Whom should a student contact with a FERPA complaint?

Student’s may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Fort Lewis 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 Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202-4605.

4) How does a student authorize the release of an academic transcript?

Students must authorize the release of an academic transcript by written request with signature to the Registrar Office. The request may be submitted via mail, fax, or in person. Request forms are available in the Registrar Office and on the campus Website.