Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Policy

Iona University informs students of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended. This Act, with which the institution intends to comply fully, was designated to protect the privacy of educational records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their educational records, and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal and formal hearings. Students also have the right to file complaints with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office (FERPA) concerning alleged failures by the institution to comply with the Act.

Local policy explains in detail the procedures used by the University for compliance with the provisions of the Act. Copies of the policy can be found in the Registrar’s Office. The Registrar’s Office also maintains a directory of records which lists all educational records maintained on students by this institution.

Iona University designates the following student information as public or “Directory Information.” The University may disclose such information for any purpose, at its discretion, and may include:

• name;
• address;
• telephone number;
• email address;
• dates of attendance;
• previous institution(s) attended;
• field of study;
• class;
• awards;
• honors (including Dean’s List);
• degree(s) conferred (including dates);
• past and present participation in officially recognized sports and activities;
• physical factors (height, weight of athletes); and
• date and place of birth.

Currently enrolled students may withhold disclosure of any information under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. To withhold disclosure, written notification must be received in the Office of the Registrar prior to September 30. Forms requesting the withholding of “Directory Information” are available in the Office of the Registrar. Iona University assumes that failure on the part of any student to specifically request the withholding of “Directory Information” indicates the individual’s approval of disclosure.

Policy statements cover specific areas of student life and procedural guidelines published by various offices charged with the responsibility for certain functions. For assistance in clarifying these documents, students should consult the Office of the Registrar. The complete Policy Statement on the Privacy Act and Educational Rights can be obtained from the Office of the Registrar.