Annual Notification of Student Rights Under FERPA

What is FERPA?

Student Rights Under FERPA

Students have the right to request that their directory information not be disclosed to anyone. They can restrict disclosure by filing a form in the Registrar's Office. 

FERPA permits the disclosure of PII (personally identifiable information) from students’ education records, without consent of the student, if the disclosure meets certain conditions found in § 99.31 of the FERPA regulations. Except for disclosures to school officials, disclosures related to some judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, disclosures of directory information, and disclosures to the student, § 99.32 of FERPA regulations requires the institution to record the disclosure. Eligible students have a right to inspect and review the record of disclosures. Millersville University may disclose PII from the education records without obtaining prior written consent of the student —

• To other school officials within Millersville University whom the school has determined to have legitimate educational interests, including individuals employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position.  In addition, a school official may be a contractor, consultant, volunteer, or other third party to whom the University has outsourced institutional services or functions, provided that the conditions listed in § 99.31(a)(1)(i)(B)(1) - (a)(1)(i)(B)(3) are met. (§ 99.31(a)(1))
• To officials of another school where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer, subject to the requirements of § 99.34. (§ 99.31(a)(2))
• To authorized representatives of the U. S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or State and local educational authorities, such as a State postsecondary authority that is responsible for supervising the university’s State-supported education programs. Disclosures under this provision may be made, subject to the requirements of §99.35, in connection with an audit or evaluation of Federal- or State-supported education programs, or for the enforcement of or compliance with Federal legal requirements that relate to those programs. These entities may make further disclosures of PII to outside entities that are designated by them as their authorized representatives to conduct any audit, evaluation, or enforcement or compliance activity on their behalf. (§§ 99.31(a)(3) and 99.35)
• In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received, if the information is necessary to determine eligibility for the aid, determine the amount of the aid, determine the conditions of the aid, or enforce the terms and conditions of the aid. (§ 99.31(a)(4))
• To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the school, in order to: (a) develop, validate, or administer predictive tests; (b) administer student aid programs; or (c) improve instruction. (§ 99.31(a)(6))
• To accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions. (§ 99.31(a)(7))
• To parents of an eligible student if the student is a dependent for IRS tax purposes. (§ 99.31(a)(8))
• To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena. (§ 99.31(a)(9))
• To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency, subject to § 99.36. (§ 99.31(a)(10))
• Information the school has designated as "directory information" under § 99.37. (§ 99.31(a)(11))
• To a victim of an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense, subject to the requirements of § 99.39. The disclosure may only include the final results of the disciplinary proceeding with respect to that alleged crime or offense, regardless of the finding. (§ 99.31(a)(13))
• To the general public, the final results of a disciplinary proceeding, subject to the requirements of § 99.39, if the school determines the student is an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense and the student has committed a violation of the school’s rules or policies with respect to the allegation made against him or her. (§ 99.31(a)(14))
• To parents of a student regarding the student’s violation of any Federal, State, or local law, or of any rule or policy of the school, governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance if the school determines the student committed a disciplinary violation and the student is under the age of 21. (§99.31(a)(15))

For answers to FERPA questions, contact the Registrar's Office.

Public Notice Designating Directory Information

In accordance with the provisions of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), Millersville University hereby designates the following student information as public or "directory information:"

1. Name
2. Name/state of hometown
3. Major field of study
4. Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
5. Dates of attendance
6. Degrees and awards received
7. Full-time/part-time status
8. Enrollment status (graduate/undergraduate)
9. Class level

In accordance with FERPA and its underlying regulations, Millersville University may release directory information related to students without violating privacy rights. Millersville University, however, does not make directory information available to the public. Millersville University limits the release of directory information for official university purposes e.g. (1) identifying athletic team members; (2) publishing names of scholarship recipients and students on graduation and Dean’s lists; (3) issuing academic awards; (4) verifying enrollment or degree status and (5) providing such information to organizations that are officially affiliated with the University or with whom the University has a contractual relationship. See 34 C.F.R §99.37(d).

Currently enrolled students may block the public disclosure of all directory information by completing a form in the Registrar's Office.  A non-disclosure block will prohibit Millersville University from releasing any of the student's "directory information;" thus, any future requests for such information from non-institutional persons or organizations will be refused.

Millersville University will honor a student's request to withhold directory information but cannot assume responsibility to contact the student for subsequent permission to release this information.  Regardless of the effect upon the student, Millersville University assumes no liability as a result of honoring the student's instructions that such information be withheld.

Although the initial request for non-disclosure may be filed at any time, once such a request has been filed by a student, this request will be honored by the University until removed, in writing, by the student.

FERPA Frequently-asked Questions

What is FERPA?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords you, the student, certain rights with respect to your educational record.

What are my rights under FERPA?

As a college student you have the following rights:

• to inspect and review your education records (does not include parents' financial information or University Police records
• to request amendment of your education record
• to have some control over the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent
• to file with the U.S. Department of Education a complaint concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA

What is Directory Information?

Please see above under "Public Notice Designating Directory Information."

Can I control the release of Directory Information?

Yes, you can restrict the release of Directory Information by completing a form (available in the Registrar's Office). You should carefully consider imposing a restriction on the release of Directory Information. The limits of our student information system make it an all or nothing option; you cannot select the Directory Information items. This restriction should be reserved for extreme circumstances, such as harassment, or on the advice of a legal or medical professional.

How does FERPA impact routine procedures such as registration, grade information, and transcripts?

Anytime you conduct business with the Registrar's Office, you must present photo identification. FERPA requires student consent for the release of, or amendment to academic information. These steps help insure the privacy of your educational record.

Do my parents or other family members have access to my educational records?

A parent or guardian does not have access to your educational records without your written consent, unless your parent or guardian presents a certified copy of the most recent federal income tax form that reports you as a dependent.

Which University Officer is responsible for administering the FERPA guidelines?

The Office of the University Provost is responsible for institutional compliance with the FERPA guidelines. The Office of the Registrar is responsible for the maintenance and release of the academic record. The Registrar's Office is located on the first floor of Lyle Hall. Questions or concerns about FERPA are to be directed to the Registrar.

Enrollment Verifications

Millersville University has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse to act as our agent for all degree and enrollment verifications. Please visit the Clearinghouse online or contact them by phone at 703-742-4200 for questions or additional information.