FERPA and YOU What is it and what does it mean? Dean of - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

FERPA and YOU What is it and what does it mean?

Dean of Undergraduate Studies (so that includes being dean for all College Now students) Dr. Pamela D. Johnson johnsonp@cedarville.edu 937-766-7765 (o)

What is FERPA? It is the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (of 1974, in case you wondered…)

Why was it adopted? • Created to protect the privacy of students • Two Primary objectives:  To ensure the right of students to inspect and review their records  Places limits on the University for releasing a student’s educational record to an unauthorized third party without the student’s written consent

FERPA: Transfer of Control/Responsibility • Through elementary and high school, the control over a student’s education record resides with the parents . • This control transfers to the student when he/she reaches the age of 18 OR begins to attend any post-secondary institution, regardless of age.

FERPA: Academic Progress • Information regarding a student’s day-to-day progress in a course is not available on a website to which parents or guidance counselors have access • Final grades are posted to the student’s Cedarville University transcript at the conclusion of the semester when final grades are submitted by the faculty • For College Now students, those grades are also automatically provided to their P-12 schools so they can receive a grade for the course equivalent on their P-12 school transcript so it can count toward earning their high school diploma.

Two Transcripts???? • Cedarville University transcript toward a degree Every Cedarville University course in which you maintain enrollment • for 15 days will result in a transcript record of that enrollment That Cedarville University transcript record may be a “W”, a “WP”, a • “WF”, or a letter grade if the course is completed (A through F) This permanent university transcript is the beginning of your • undergraduate transcript • High School Transcript toward your high school diploma As a high school student, the Cedarville courses in which you • are enrolled “dual count” to also meet high school graduation requirements, either for core courses or electives.

FERPA: Keep Connected in Class • How can you know how you are doing? • Moodle course record • Ask your professor if you don’t understand how to access your results in Moodle • Ask your professor even if you do understand how to access your results in Moodle • “At Risk” Report…a university-wide system used to let students know if they are not doing well in a course; occurs ~half-way through the course. • Communication and accountability are key

FERPA: Keep Connected with Parents • How can you help your parents be connected? • Grant your parents access to your student account, which lets them see your transcript and other key information. • When you have some challenges, bounce ideas off of them about how to handle the situation. • Communicate regularly with them about the experience. Let them help you grow through it. • Accept responsibility but establish accountability

FERPA: Problem Solving What if I have a problem? Talk with your professor; act on their advice; talk with your professor 1. again Talk with your advisor; act on their advice; talk with your advisor again 2. Talk with your parents or teachers at your school for solution ideas 3. (notice that this is 3 rd in line; do NOT skip #1 and #2) If the problem is not solved and you think communication between your 4. parent(s) and your professor, and/or advisor, and/or another representative of the University would be helpful, complete a privacy waiver through the Office of the Registrar (registrar@cedarville.edu).

What is a FERPA privacy waiver? A statement the student signs giving specific people the right to talk to other specific people about the signing student’s academic work in a defined course or courses due to a situation that has arisen. Why would I use one? Because all other efforts to successfully resolve a specific issue in a class have not been effective for the student. How do I get one? Email the Registrar’s Office (registrar@cedarville.edu)

What is a FERPA privacy waiver for finances? A statement the student signs giving specific people (usually a parent or guardian) the right to talk to the Cashiers about the signing student’s student account. Why would I use one? So your parents or whomever you designate can work directly with the Cashiers to pay your CU bills. How do I get one? Go to the Cashier’s Office web page (https://www.cedarville.edu/Offices/Cashiers/Contact-Us), click on the Financial Information Release Form (FERPA), print it off, fill it out and sign it, and scan or fax it back to the Cashiers (937-766-7199 or cashier@cedarville.edu)

Questions? College Now Advisors: • Mrs. Paula Kordic (937-766-3775) • Mrs. Alyssa Johnson (937-766-7463) Office of the Registrar Registrar: Mrs. Fran Campbell Phone: 937-766-7710 E-mail: registrar@cedarville.edu Website: cedarville.edu/registrar

Welcome to Cedarville University!!! We are blessed to have you join us in this great adventure of truly HIGHER education for His glory!