FERPA

FERPA compliance: A checklist

FERPA, or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. It gives parents certain rights regarding these records, including the right to access and request changes to the information.

FERPA also prohibits the disclosure of student records without consent, with some exceptions such as for school officials with legitimate educational interests. Schools that receive federal funding are required to comply with FERPA regulations to safeguard student privacy.

1. Understand the requirements of FERPA.
2. Only disclose education records with written consent from the eligible student.
3. Implement procedures to ensure the security of education records.
4. Provide eligible students with the right to review and request amendments to their education records.
5. Train staff on FERPA regulations and the importance of student privacy.

Challenges of complying with FERPA

One challenge organizations might face in complying with FERPA is the complexity of the regulations, which can be difficult to interpret and apply consistently across different departments and systems.

Another challenge is ensuring that all staff members are adequately trained on FERPA requirements to prevent inadvertent violations of student privacy rights.

Additionally, maintaining secure systems and protocols to safeguard student records from unauthorized access or disclosure poses a significant challenge for organizations striving to comply with FERPA.

Simplifying FERPA compliance with an Enterprise Browser

Ensuring the security and privacy of student information is essential to maintaining trust. FERPA compliance is business critical, but navigating its complex requirements can be daunting. With the Island Enterprise Browser, businesses can simplify compliance while maintaining security and productivity — directly through the browser. By creating secure application boundaries and embedding robust controls, Island ensures information stays within authorized systems, reducing audit scope and risk.