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Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)


The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (also called the Buckley Amendment) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records.

What Is FERPA?


Educational records as defined by FERPA are those records, with certain exceptions, that are maintained by the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh, which include a student’s name or students’ names on them. These include files, documents and materials in any medium (i.e., electronic, handwritten, print, tapes, film, microfilm, microfiche) which contain information directly related to students and from which students can be individually identified.

What Is Directory Information?


Directory information is information contained in an educational record that would not be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released.

Directory information at State University of New York College at Plattsburgh includes, but is not limited to:

  • Student’s name, address and telephone listing
  • Electronic mail address
  • Date of birth
  • Major field of study
  • Dates of attendance
  • Grade level
  • Enrollment status (e.g., undergraduate or graduate; full time or part time)
  • Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
  • Photos of students
  • Weight and height of members of athletic teams
  • Degrees, honors and awards received
  • Most recent educational agency or institution attended.

Social Security numbers, student identification numbers (i.e., Banner ID), race, ethnicity, nationality and gender are NEVER considered directory information and may not be released.

Official FERPA Policies


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