What Is Considered Directory Information Under Ferpa.Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), directory information refers to certain categories of personally identifiable information that an educational institution may disclose without obtaining written consent from a student, unless the student has opted out of such disclosures. Directory information is considered non-sensitive and may be disclosed to the public or other parties without violating FERPA regulations.
What Is Considered Directory Information Under Ferpa.
The specific categories of directory information can vary from one educational institution to another, but they generally include:
- Student’s name
- Address (usually limited to local and permanent addresses)
- Phone number
- Email address
- Date and place of birth
- Major field of study
- Enrollment status (full-time, part-time, etc.)
- Dates of attendance
- Degrees and awards received
- Participation in official activities and sports
- Photographs and video footage
It’s important to note that schools must provide notice to students about their directory information rights and allow them the opportunity to opt out of the release of their directory information. Students typically have a window of time at the beginning of each academic year to exercise this right.
Even though directory information is generally considered non-sensitive, schools should still exercise caution and use their discretion when disclosing any student information to ensure that the privacy of students is protected.
It’s recommended to check with your specific educational institution to understand the exact categories of directory information they maintain and disclose under FERPA.
