Student Privacy
Download the FERPA release form
Purpose
The purpose of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) as Amended is to afford certain rights to students concerning their education records. The primary rights afforded are the right to inspect and review the education records, the right to seek to have the records amended and right to have some control over the disclosure of information from the records. The act does not apply to students admitted to the University who have not officially enrolled. Norwich University affords all of the rights under the law to its students.
Annual Notification
Students will be notified of their rights as stipulated by FERPA annually by publication in the Academic Regulations, and the Schedule of Courses Newspaper, Gopher or any method deemed appropriate by the Registrar.
Release of Student Record Information
In general, Norwich University will not release student educational record information without the expressed, written consent of the student. There are, however, some exceptions.
Right to Review Records
Students have the right to review any of their educational records except parental financial records or letters of recommendation if the right of access to those letters has been specifically waived by the student in writing. A fee of $.25 per copy is charged for requested copies of eligible documents. Requests must be made in writing and addressed to the Registrar's Office.
Right to Seek Amendment of an Educational Record
Students who believe that information contained in their educational records is in error or misleading may request that the record custodian amend the record. If the record is not amended to the student's satisfaction, a University hearing may be requested.
Student Right of Complaint
Students have the right to file complaints with the Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Norwich University to comply with the law. Written complaints should be directed to the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 26202-4605; (202) 260-3887, FAX: (202) 260-9001.
Directory Information
The following information is designated as "Directory (Public) Information" and may be released without the student's consent:
- Student’s name
- Student’s local address and telephone number
- Student’s permanent address and telephone number
- Student’s e-mail address
- Date and place of birth
- Dates of enrollment
- Date of disenrollment, but not the reason if prior to graduation
- Status of enrollment (i.e. whether the student is, or is not, currently enrolled)
- Full or part-time enrollment
- Major field of study
- Advisor
- Anticipated date of graduation, if currently enrolled
- Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
- Residency - Corps of Cadets, Civilian, Commuter
- Weight and height of members of athletic team
- Degrees earned, if any, and date conferred
- Awards and honors received (including promotions in the Cadet Corps)
- Most recent educational institution attended
Students have the right to withhold the release of "Directory Information." To do so, a student must make a written request for withholding of this information to the Registrar. All students making this request will be required to meet with the Registrar. It should be noted that if a student asks for "Directory Information" to be withheld, it will be withheld from a variety of sources, including: friends, relatives, prospective employers, honor societies and the news media. Student directories are published at the end of the add/drop period. If the student has not made a request for an information block by that time, his or her name will appear in those directories. Students should be aware that directory blocks are permanent and will not be removed without a written request.
Examples of Other Exceptions
- Emergency situation
- Lawfully issued subpoena
- School Officials with legitimate educational interests
- State and Federal representatives as required by law
