FERPA: Student Request to Restrict or Rescind Access to Directory Information

FERPA stands for the “Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.” You might also hear it referred to as the “Buckley Amendment.” This law protects the privacy of student education records. FERPA applies to all schools that received funds through an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education, and thus most colleges and universities are covered by FERPA. More information pertaining to Saint Mary's College of CA's FERPA policy can be found on SMCs FERPA policies. 

Directory information, since it is considered public, can be released to anyone—as long as there is a legitimate educational interest—without student consent provided that the student has not requested a directory restriction ("FERPA block").

Directory information, as defined by the College, includes the following: the student’s name, photograph, dates of enrollment, enrollment status, degrees, certificates, and credentials received, awards and honors received, major fields of study, Saint Mary’s College email address, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, height and weight of student athletes, and the most recent previous educational institution attended by the student.

By requesting a "FERPA block," the aforementioned information will NOT be released to third-parties unless you inform us to reverse the decision. Please be aware that with this "block" in place, we will not be able to do the following:

• Verify your dates of attedance to employers, insurance companies, and other possible entities. 
• Confirm your degree was conferred at Saint Mary's College of CA. 
• List your name on Saint Mary's College of CA publications such as internal news articles, commencement program, dean's lists, and etc.