Section III: Comprehensive Standards (Student Affairs and Services)

3.9.2.  The institution protects the security, confidentiality, and integrity of its student records.

JUDGMENT OF COMPLIANCE

Compliance.

NARRATIVE/JUSTIFICATION FOR JUDGMENT OF COMPLIANCE

Northeast Alabama Community College demonstrates compliance in the measures employed to protect the security, confidentiality, and integrity of student records.

a. Security of student records. Student records are secured in a locked storage room accessible only to staff of the Office of Admissions and Student Services for retrieving files as needed.

b. Confidentiality of student records is assured by adherence to the Family Educational Rights

and Privacy Act (FERPA) requirements. As published in the college Catalog, only information classified as “directory information” may be released unless the student requests otherwise by providing a signed written statement. The Office of Admissions  and Student Services provides a form for this purpose. Either the signed form or a signed statement is accepted.  “Directory Information,” as specified by FERPA, includes the following:

1. Name, address, and telephone listing

2. Date and place of birth

3. Major field of study

4. Participation in officially recognized activities and sports

5. Dates of attendance

6. Degrees and awards received

7. The most previous educational agency or institution attended

c. Integrity of student records is maintained by meticulously placing admissions documents into proper student admissions files and entering required data into the college’s AS/400 for permanent storage. These tasks are performed by admissions office personnel who have a total of 35 years experience in the area. No problems have been cited as a result of state and federal audits.

Policies and practices pertaining to student academic records are addressed in Comprehensive Standard 3.4.11.

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