Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 (20 U.S.C. 1232g) and regulations adopted there under (34 C.F.R.99) set out requirements designed to protect students' privacy in their records maintained by the campus. The statute and regulations govern access to student records maintained by the campus, and the release of such records. The law provides that the campus must give each student access to records directly related to that student and must also provide an opportunity for a hearing to challenge such if the student claims they are inaccurate on the grounds that they are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise inappropriate. The right to a hearing under this law does not include any right to challenge the appropriateness of a grade determined by the instructor. The law generally requires the institution to receive the student's written consent before releasing personally identifiable data about the student. The institution has adopted a set of policies and procedures governing implementation of the statute and the regulations. Copies of these policies and procedures may be obtained at the Office of Admissions and Records. Among the types of information included in the campus statement of policies and procedures are: 1) the types of student records maintained and the information they contain; 2) the official responsible for maintaining each type of record; 3) the location of access lists indicating persons requesting or receiving information from the record; 4) policies for reviewing and expunging records; 5) student access rights to his or her records; 6) the procedures for challenging the content of student records; 7) the cost that will be charged for reproducing copies of records; and 8) the right of the student to file a complaint with the Department of Education. The Department of Education has established an office and review board to investigate complaints and adjudicate violations. The designated office is Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20202-4605.

The campus is authorized under the Act to release "directory information" concerning students. "Directory Information" may include the student's name, address, telephone listing, electronic mail address, photograph, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight, and height of members of athletics teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student. The above-designated information is subject to release by the campus at any time unless the campus has received prior written objection from the students specifying what information the student requests not be released. Written objections should be sent to the Director of Admission and Records.

The campus is authorized to provide access to student records to campus officials and employees who have legitimate educational interests in such access. These persons have responsibilities in the campus' academic, administrative or service functions and have reason for using student records associated with their campus or other related academic responsibilities. Student records may also be disclosed to other persons or organizations under certain conditions (e.g., as part of accreditation or program evaluation; in response to court order or subpoena; in connection with financial aid; to other institutions to which the student is transferring).

Release of Student Information to Agencies of the State of California

Agencies of the State of California may request, for recruitment purposes, information including the names, addresses, major fields of study, and total units completed of CSU students and former students. The university is required by law to release such information to state agencies on request concerning students who have requested in writing that such information be released to state agencies. Students will have the opportunity during the first three weeks of the Fall semester to request in writing the release of such information by completing a form in the Office of Admissions and Records; this release is effective for one academic year and expires on the first day of the following academic year. Students will also have an opportunity to forbid release of any personal identifiable information to state agencies or any other person or organization.

Request to Withhold Directory Information

Students are able to update their privacy status on their MyCSUDH account. Before updating your privacy settings, please carefully read the following:

• Restricting the release of directory information will prevent the administrative and faculty offices from verifying any directory information regarding your record to anyone, including yourself, over the telephone or in writing without your signed, written consent.
• Restricting the release of directory information will prevent verification for purposes of employment, loans, credit card applications and insurance.
• Always bring picture identification with you for in-person inquiries. We will not release information without positive identification.
• Students who obtain a campus email account should be aware that name, student status and email addresses cannot be withheld from internet access.