FERPA issues

 

Student privacy is important. On this page, we link you to IU materials and also other information about social media.

Student Privacy & FERPA (from the IU Registrar site):

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Links to an external site. is a federal law regarding the privacy of student record and the obligations of Indiana University as an institution, primarily in the areas of release of the records and the access provided to these records. Any educational institution that receives funds under any program administered by the U.S. Secretary of Education is bound by FERPA requirements. Institutions that fail to comply with FERPA may have funds administered by the Secretary of Education withheld.

Indiana University is committed to the protection and confidentiality of student educational records, adhering closely to the guidelines established by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. The application of this commitment is reflected primarily under two university policies: the Release of Student Information Policy Links to an external site., which governs how we secure and disseminate student records, and Student Rights Under FERPA Links to an external site., which informs students of their rights with respect to their records.

To help you understand how these policies apply to your job responsibilities and your handling of sensitive student data, the following pages are included in this section:

• An overview of the FERPA guidelines Links to an external site. as they apply to Indiana University.
• Specific content on how FERPA applies to:
  • Faculty Links to an external site.
  • Staff Links to an external site.
  • Parents Links to an external site.
  • Students Links to an external site.
• Some frequently asked questions Links to an external site. about the protection of student records that have been compiled by our office over the years.
• How to spot student privacy indicators Links to an external site. in the Student Information System (SIS)

IU FERPA tutorial at Link Links to an external site.

 

Social Media considerations:

Social media can be a great way to connect with students, but you have to be careful to protect privacy. Educause makes these main points:

Key Takeaways

• Although teens use social media heavily — and many freely post sensitive personal information — instructors must be careful about how they use social media in classrooms.
• Because use of digital media for student communications and interactions isn't specifically covered by FERPA, instructors must be extra careful to ensure that they don't violate FERPA rules related to student records and privacy.
• Several scenarios and real-world examples offer tips and guidelines that both protect student privacy and allow instructors to take full advantage of social media for engaging students in course work and discussions.

See more at their site. Links to an external site.

 

There is a good overview at Commonsense.org on protecting student privacy Links to an external site.

Posting student photos? Check here Links to an external site..