FERPA
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
It is the policy of Western Nebraska Community College to comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 as amended by the Higher Education Amendments of 1998 (34 CFR Part 99).
A copy of this law is on file in Student Services. The law provides three fundamental rights to students who attend post-secondary institutions:
- Right to inspect and review education records
- Right to request amendment education records
- Right to limit disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in education records
If a student has any questions about their right to privacy or believes their right to privacy has been violated, the student is encouraged to meet with the Registrar. In addition, a student has the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education.
In compliance with FERPA, the following items are considered directory information:
- Student's full name
- Addresses
- Telephone numbers
- E-mail addresses
- Photographic images
- Date and place of birth
- Major field of study
- Enrollment status (e.g., full-time or part-time)
- Class (e.g. freshman, sophomore)
- Dates of Attendance
- Degrees, honors, and awards
- Most recent previous educational agency attended or institution attended
- Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
- Weight and height of members of athletic teams
In the event a student does not want the directory information released, they must submit, in writing, to the Registrar’s Office the specific information to be withheld. The exclusion remains in effect until the student notifies the Registrar’s Office, in writing, to remove the hold.
The FERPA revisions of 1998 permit schools to notify parents of students who are younger than 21 if such student has been found responsible for violating institutional policies regarding alcohol and other drugs.
Contact the Office of the Registrar
Brian Elkins
Registrar
308.635.6347
elkinsb@wncc.edu