FERPA

Release of Student Information

River Parishes Community College is in compliance with the Family Rights and Privacy Act (a.k.a. FERPA) of 1974 (P.L. 93-380) as amended by the P.L. 95-568. Only persons who have a legal right in accordance with the law to access this information will be allowed to review such records. Such records are accessible to certain authorized college and administrative personnel who may require review and utilization of such records for educational purposes. The student may request in writing the opportunity to review the material or to have transcripts sent to other educational institutions in accordance with regulations governing students’ records. 

RPCC may release directory information to any entity. FERPA defines “Directory Information” as information contained in the education records of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. River Parishes Community College defines directory information as the following:

• Student Name
   
• Date of Birth
   
• Telephone Number
   
• RPCC e-mail address
   
• Dates of Attendance

Under the provisions of FERPA, students have the right to withhold disclosure of such directory information. Students who wish their directory information not to be released must submit a FERPA Suppression Form. The authorization is valid until a written request from the student to rescind is received by the Registrar’s Office.

Student Privacy Policy

River Parishes Community College is in compliance with La. R.S. 44:13 (2002) § 13: Registration records and other records of use maintained by libraries, which protects library users’ right to privacy. Only persons who have a legal right in accordance with the law to access this information are allowed to access such records and information. Such records are accessible to certain authorized college and administrative personnel who may require review and utilization of such records. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA, also referred to as the Buckley Amendment) is a federal law regarding the privacy of student records and the obligations of the institution related to the release of and access to such records. Any educational institution that receives funds under any program administered by the U.S. Secretary of Education is bound by FERPA requirements. Institutions that fail to comply with FERPA may have funds which are administered by the Secretary of Education withheld.

Access To and Review of Student Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records. They are:

• The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day RPCC receives a request for access. Students should submit to the Registrar a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. 
   
• The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask RPCC to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. The student should write the RPCC official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If RPCC decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, RPCC will notify the student of the decision by phone or email and advise the student of his or her right to an appeal.
   
• The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by RPCC in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position; a person or company with whom RPCC has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, collection agent, or security or law enforcement personnel); a person serving on the Board of Supervisors; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. RPCC may also disclose records to officials of licensure/ certification agencies. Upon request, RPCC discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
   
• The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by River Parishes Community College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. 

The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S Department of Education 
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5920

Personal Info Change Requests

Students needing to change any personal information such as phone number, address, email, marital status, etc. should do the following:

• Log into your LOLA account
   
• Select River Parishes Community College under Self Service
   
• Click Personal Information under the Main Menu

To change your name, you will need to complete the Address/Name Change Form.  You will also need to provide evidence of your name change. Your social security card, marriage license or court order.