General Policy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) provides students who are enrolled in an institution of
postsecondary education the right to inspect, review, and challenge their educational records. Mesa State College
has the responsibility of maintaining and protecting the confidentiality of students' official educational records.

Mesa State College also supervises the access to and/or release of educational records of its students. FERPA covers enrolled and former students, including deceased students. Students who are not accepted to Mesa State College, or if accepted, do not attend, have no rights under FERPA. In addition, the College will not release personally identifiable records of students to any individual, agency or organization without the prior written consent of the student, except as provided by FERPA.

Directory Information

Mesa State College may, without the consent of the student, release to persons outside the institution
information designated as Directory Information in accordance with the provisions of FERPA. Directory
Information shall include information in an educational record which would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, including but not limited to:

1. Student name, address, telephone #
2. Date and place of birth
3. Major fields of study
4. Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
5. Weight and height of athletic team members
6. Photographs
7. Dates of attendance to include enrollment status (i.e., full time or part time)
8. Degrees and awards received
9. Most recent educational institution attended
10. E-mail address

Note: At any time, a student may request to the Registrar's Office that Directory Information not be released
to other parties without written permission. This request will be honored until the student requests in writing
that Directory Information be disclosed.

Access to Student Educational Records

FERPA provides current students, former students, and parents of students who claim the student as a dependent
(according to Internal Revenue Code of 1954, Section 152) for income tax purposes on their most current federal
tax return the right to inspect, review, and challenge their educational records. Students are permitted to inspect and review their educational records within a maximum of 45 days after the request is received. Students may not review financial information received from their parents or guardians; confidential letters and recommendations placed in their files prior to January 1, 1975; academic records containing information regarding other students; administrative, disciplinary, law enforcement, student health records, and/or records which are maintained in the sole possession of the maker. While students who have a financial hold or past due account (all holds included) have a right to inspect their academic records, no transcript will be released to the student or other party until holds are reconciled. Bankruptcy, however, removes any financial obligations the student has to Mesa State College.

Please contact the Registrar's Office with questions regarding this policy.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act