FERPA protects the education records of an "eligible" student.

The term "education records" means records, files, documents, and other materials which contain information directly related to a student, and are maintained by any employee or agent of the University. Records can be: printed, handwritten notes, film, CDs, etc.

An "eligible student" is a student who has reached 18 years of age or is attending an institution of postsecondary education.

Exceptions to what is considered an Education Record

 These things are not considered to be part of a student's educational record: 

• Records that are in the sole possession of the maker. For example, if you keep notes on a student that no one else sees. But if you share these notes with someone, then they become part of the education record.
• Police records for law enforcement purposes.
• Medical records.
• Alumni records.
• Employment records. Note, that this depends upon the primary role of the student. If the person is a student first and is also working at the College, then they have one educational record. If the person is an employee who decides to take classes at the College, then they have two records: (1) an employment record, and (2) an education record.

Under FERPA, each institution designates what it considers as "Directory Information". This is information from student records that can be given out to third parties without a student's consent and is not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. If the information being requested is not "Directory Information", then it cannot be given out to third parties without the student's written consent. Requests for Directory Information must be submitted in writing to the registrar.

These items from a student's educational record are considered Directory Information at Zane State College.

1. Name
2. Permanent Address
3. Home Phone
4. Program of Study
5. Zane State College issued an e-mail address
6. Enrollment Status (i.e.: full-time, part-time, withdrawn)
7. Dates of Enrollment (from month/year to month/year)
8. Honors awarded (i.e.: Deans List, Presidential Scholar, scholarships with the amounts excluded)

The college also considers degrees granted as part of Directory Information because they are conferred in a public ceremony. 

Due to Zane State College’s contract with the National Student Clearinghouse, enrollment status and degree completion must be requested through their enrollment and degree verification services.

Students have the right to have directory information withheld from the public if they choose. This is known as a "No Release". Students who want all directory information withheld must contact the Registrar’s Office in person (or by email from a ZSC email account). Zane State College will not release directory information requested to be withheld unless the student provides written consent for the release.

Students have five basic rights under FERPA.

• Students have a right to inspect and review everything in their records within a reasonable time after the college receives a request for access.
• Students have the right to an amendment to their records if they believe something is inaccurate.
• Students have the right to consent to the disclosure of all non-directory information. Without a student's written permission, it is a violation of FERPA to release non-directory information to third parties. Students must sign to release non-directory information to third parties. The institution must keep a record of requests and disclosures of non-directory information except when the request is from the student or when the student has given written consent.
• Students have the right to file a complaint with the Department of Education if they believe the College is in violation of FERPA.
• The College must make their policy on FERPA available to students and provide annual notification to their students regarding their rights.

 Written consent to release non-directory information is not required from the student when it involves one of the following situations: 

• A College employee with a legitimate educational interest or education-related "need to know"
• Other institutions requesting information such as a transcript
• Department of Education, or state/local education authorities
• Connection in the receipt of student financial aid
• State/local officials in conjunction with legislative requirements
• Accrediting organizations, or those conducting studies
• To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena
• Health or safety emergency
• Parents of dependent students (IRS definition)

Students do not have the right under FERPA to: inspect financial records of parents, letters of recommendation when the student has waived their right of access, and information about other students.

A student does not have the right to restrict access to their records to college officials with a legitimate educational interest that is needed in order to fulfill their official responsibilities. Examples of college officials include college faculty, staff, and administration, agents of the institution, and representatives of agencies under contract with the college.