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FERPA
The Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, also known as the Buckley Amendment, is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.
Schools must have written permission from the student in order to release any information from a student’s record.
Cowley College adheres to FERPA rules governing access to student records.
However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions (34 CFR § 99.31):
• Other schools to which a student is transferring
• Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes
• Appropriate parties concerning 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
• State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific state law
According to this law, Cowley College is NOT allowed to release information to parties such as family members, employers, etc. If a student wishes to authorize the release of information such as educational, financial aid, or billing information to third parties not covered under this law, a Release of Information Form must be signed by the student and kept on file in the Registrar’s Office.
A Release of Information Form only will be valid for one semester. A student must file a new Release of Information Form with the Registrar’s Office for each semester they wish to authorize the release of information.
According to this law, schools MAY DISCLOSE WITHOUT CONSENT the following directory information about students:
• Name
• Current address and telephone number
• Permanent address and telephone number
• E-mail address
• Photographs
• Date of Birth
• Major field of study
• Enrollment status (full-time, half-time, less than half-time)
• Classification (freshman, sophomore, etc.)
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Height and weight for members of athletic teams
• Dates of attendance
• Degrees and awards received
• Most recent previous educational institution attended by the
student
If you object to the disclosure of directory information listed above, you may notify the Registrar’s Office, in writing. A student must submit notification within the first three (3) weeks of a semester. Please be aware that if a student chooses to block disclosure of this information, the college will not release this information to ANY party, including the National Student Loan Clearinghouse.
If you are a dependent student under 18 years of age, parents will have access to your educational record. The college will assume you are a dependent if parents provide a notarized copy of the top area of their federal income tax forms, showing you as a dependant.
A student has the right to file a complaint if the college fails to comply with the requirements of this law. A copy of the college’s policy may be obtained from the Registrar’s Office.
If Cowley closes, access to academic and financial records will be kept on file with the Kansas Board of Regents. The college will assist current students in researching and locating an institution that meets their academic progress needs.
Click here for a pdf copy of the Release of Information Form. You may also pick a form up at the Registrar's office.
Arkansas City Phone: (620) 441-5241 • Fax: (620) 441-5250
North Campus Phone: (316) 554-2725 • Fax: (316) 554-2650
Main Campus Address: Cowley College, Registrar's Office, P.O. Box 1147, Arkansas City, KS 67005
