FERPA and Study Abroad
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) is a federal law that helps protect the privacy of student education records. Rights afforded to students under FERPA include the right to inspect and review your educational records, the right to seek amendment of those records and the right to prevent disclosure of information from the educational records without prior consent, subject to some specific exceptions.
Additional information about FERPA can be found on the website for the Office of the Registrar.
What the Center for International Programs can disclose:
Certain information, known as directory information, may be disclosed by anyone without the prior written consent of the student. While FERPA defines a list of what can be considered directory information, it is at the discretion of the institution to define what is considered directory information. At SJU directory information is defined as:
- Student Name
- Major/Minor/Certificate field of study
- Degree(s) sought or earned
- Dates of attendance
- Current Enrollment status (full/part time)
- Class Standing
- Academic Awards received (Dean’s List, Latin Honors)
- Photographs
- Activities/Clubs
- Height and weight of athletic team members
- Most recent educational institution attended
What the Center for International Programs cannot disclose:
If a student would like to give the CIP permission to share additional information from their record with a third party (e.g., parent, grandparent, guardian, etc.) they can complete a CIP FERPA Release Form to request such communication. This includes, but may not be limited to:
- Account and billing information
- Grades and transcripts
- Housing and contact information of student while abroad
- Course or schedule information
Completed FERPA Release Forms can be dropped off or mailed to the CIP. Be sure to sign and date them appropriately.
Saint Joseph's University
Center for International Programs
5600 City Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131