Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

SANS.edu values the student’s right to privacy. The college adheres to a federal law called the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) that sets privacy standards for student educational records. The Act serves two primary purposes. It gives eligible students more control over their educational records, and it prohibits educational institutions from disclosing “personally identifiable information in education records without the written consent of an eligible student.

With certain exceptions, SANS.edu will not disclose personally identifiable information from a student’s education records without the student’s prior written consent.

Directory Information

Schools may disclose directory information contained in an educational record that would not be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released. Directory information at SANS Technology Institute includes:

  • Name
  • Address (city and state of residence only)
  • Major program
  • Honors and awards
  • Dates of attendance
  • Degree awarded and date conferred

Students may direct SANS.edu not to disclose their directory information by completing a Directory Information Opt-Out Form and returning it to their student advisor at any time. Students should be aware of the consequences of making this request, including non-verification of enrollment or degree status, non-inclusion in honors or awards announcements, non-inclusion in student research publications, and non-inclusion in the SANS.edu Commencement booklet.

Other Disclosures Permitted Under FERPA

FERPA allows SANS.edu to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions (34 CFR S 99.31):

  • School officials with legitimate educational interest
  • Other schools to which a student is transferring
  • Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes
  • Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student
  • Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school
  • Accrediting organizations
  • To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena
  • Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies
  • State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific state law

Information regarding FERPA can be found at the U.S. Department of Education webpage: http://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html

Questions?

We're happy to help. Email info@sans.edu or call 301.241.7665.