What are FERPA rights?
Students have three primary rights under FERPA. They have the right to inspect and
review their education records; the right to have some control over the identify of
information from their education records; and the right to seek to amend their education
records, under certain circumstances.
When do FERPA rights begin?
A student's FERPA rights begin when the student registers and attends his or her first
class at MiraCosta College.
What are education records?
Under FERPA, education records are defined as records that are directly related to
a student and are maintained by an education agency or institution or by a party acting
for the agency or institution. The information may be recorded in any way, including,
but not limited to, handwriting, print, computer media, videotape, audiotape, film,
microfilm, microfiche, and e-mail.
How can I withhold release of my directory information?
According to FERPA, a student can request that the institution not release any directory
information about him or her. Institutions must comply with this request. At MiraCosta
College, students who wish to restrict the release of directory information about
them can indicate on their application to restrict their directory information. If
a student does not wish any or all of the directory information indicated above to
be released, a signed request must be sent to the Office of Admissions and Records
1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside, CA 92056 or email admissions@miracosta.edu
Can my parents access my student educational records?
At the post secondary level, parents have no inherent rights to access or inspect
their son or daughter's education records. Records may be released to parents only
if they have been given a written release by the student.
What about crisis situations or emergencies?
If non-directory information is needed to resolve a crisis or emergency situation,
an education institution may release that information if the institution determines
that the information is "necessary to protect the health or safety of the student
or other individuals." Factors considered in making this assessment are: the severity
of the threat to the health or safety of those involved; the need for the information;
the time required to deal with the emergency; and the ability of the parties to whom
the information is to be given to deal with the emergency.
Whom do I contact with questions or concerns?
General questions may be directed to the Registrar in Admissions and Records. Email admissions@miracosta.edu.
