Privacy Act of 1974

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) governs access and release of student records. FERPA applies to elementary, secondary and postsecondary institutions receiving funds from the U.S. Secretary of Education. FERPA regulations protect students’ rights to privacy. The Avatier identity management software suite (AIMS) automates the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 compliance.

FERPA Regulations and Compliance

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The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, or FERPA, protects student privacy. FERPA regulations stipulate students’ rights related to the release of their educational records. The FERPA Privacy Act of 1974 requires education institutions to strictly govern access and follow the federal guidelines. Identity and access management automation ensure FERPA governance risk and compliance.

Avatier identity management software suite (AIMS) applies business rules automation to ensure educational records are kept confidential until FERPA regulatory compliance requirements are met.

FERPA Laws and Rules

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FERPA laws define two types of educational records. Each type requires different disclosure governance and protection. Avatier identity management software applies access management business rules so faculty and staff cannot erroneously administer or disclose protected information.

Under FERPA, schools may disclose ‘directory’ information without a student’s written consent. Student can restrict the release of directory information and perform exceptions. Avatier compliance software transparently limits disclosure when exception requests are made.

FERPA Guidelines and Automation

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FERPA ‘non-directory’ information cannot be released to anyone without a student’s written consent. Faculty and staff can only access non-directory information when there is a legitimate academic reason. Non-directory information includes records relating a student’s Social Security number, school identification number, race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, and transcripts.

Avatier identity and access management software protects non-directory educational records in compliance with the privacy act. Through workflow automation, Avatier controls legitimate access to non-directory information to prevent the illegal disclosure of information.

Education Laws and FERPA Summary

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Congress enacted the Family Education and Privacy Act of 1974 to protect student privacy and access to educational records. FERPA recognizes the privacy rights vested in every student. Educational institutions must enforce business rules, make exceptions and comply with FERPA regulations.

Avatier identity manager and FERPA compliance solutions automate information security rules. Avatier identity management systems protect student privacy at a lower cost while reducing an educational institution’s information security risks.