Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Rogue Community College follows the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, known as FERPA. FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of your education records and gives you specific rights related to those records.
FERPA applies once you enroll at RCC or reach age 18, whichever comes first.
FERPA applies to education records, which are records that are:
- Directly related to you as a student.
- Maintained by RCC or by a party acting on behalf of the college.
FERPA gives you the right to:
- Inspect and review your education records.
- Request corrections to records you believe are inaccurate or misleading.
- Control when and how personally identifiable information is shared.
FERPA applies to current and former students, including those in cooperative or correspondence programs. It does not apply to applicants who were denied admission or admitted but never attended.
Under FERPA, you have the right to:
- Inspect and review your education records within 45 days of making a request.
- Receive explanations or interpretations of your records.
- Receive copies of records if not providing a copy would prevent you from viewing them.
Some records may have limited access, including:
- Financial information submitted by parents.
- Certain confidential letters of recommendation.
- Records containing information about more than one student.
FERPA does not apply to certain records, including:
- Notes kept only by instructors or staff for personal use.
- Law enforcement records created for law enforcement purposes.
- Employment records related strictly to employment.
- Alumni records created after you leave RCC.
- Medical or mental health treatment records used only for care and not shared outside treatment providers.
Legitimate Educational Interest
RCC employees may access student information only when they have a legitimate educational interest. This means the information is needed to perform instructional, advising, supervisory or administrative duties in your educational interest.
FERPA allows colleges to define directory information, which may be shared unless you request otherwise.
At RCC, directory information includes:
- Name and contact information.
- Email address and student user ID.
- Dates of attendance and registration status.
- Major field of study.
- Awards, honors and degrees earned.
- Participation in school‑sponsored activities and sports.
- Previous schools attended.
- Photograph.
RCC does not release directory information for marketing or solicitation purposes.
You may request that RCC not share directory information. This is called a directory exemption.
When a directory exemption is in place:
- RCC cannot confirm your enrollment or share contact information.
- Financial lenders, employers and insurance companies cannot receive enrollment verification.
- When asked about you, staff must respond, “I have no information on this individual.”
Directory exemptions do not prevent:
- Name or email use in class.
- Student identification requirements.
- Military recruiters from accessing directory information unless you request non‑disclosure.
FERPA allows RCC to release records without your consent in certain situations, including:
- To RCC employees with legitimate educational interest.
- For financial aid processing.
- For audits or accreditation reviews.
- To other colleges where you intend to enroll.
- To parents if you are claimed as a dependent on tax records.
- In health or safety emergencies.
- Under court order or subpoena.
- To alleged victims of crimes of violence regarding case outcomes.
Rogue Central may also forward individual written messages to your home address as a courtesy.
Under FERPA and related laws:
- You may review your own disciplinary records.
- RCC officials with legitimate interest may access these records.
- Parents of dependent students may access records.
- Parents may be notified if students under 21 violate alcohol or drug policies.
- Victims of violent crimes or sexual assault may be informed of disciplinary outcomes.
If you believe an education record is inaccurate or misleading, you may request a correction.
RCC will:
- Review the request in a reasonable timeframe.
- Notify you of the decision in writing.
- Correct the record if the request is approved.
If the request is denied, you may request a formal hearing.
After you enroll at RCC, parents do not automatically have access to your records.
Records may be shared with parents only if:
- You provide written consent.
- RCC receives a valid subpoena.
- Parents show proof that you are a dependent for tax purposes.
Posting grades publicly by name or full identification number violates FERPA.
Faculty must use secure systems or anonymous identifying methods to protect student privacy.
Former students and graduates retain most FERPA rights, including:
- The right to inspect education records.
T - he right to request corrections.
- The right to privacy.
However, directory non‑disclosure cannot be added after leaving RCC.
FERPA protections apply to non‑directory information shared in references.
Faculty are encouraged to obtain a completed Letter of Recommendation Request before providing references. These requests are archived by Rogue Central.
You may allow RCC to share records with parents, employers or other parties by completing the FERPA Consent Form in myRogue.
Consent must:
- Specify which records may be shared.
- Explain the purpose.
- Identify who may receive the information.
Consent is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
Student records are retained only as long as they remain valid and useful. Records
containing personal information are disposed of securely to protect privacy.
For questions about record disposal or FERPA rights, contact Enrollment Services at
541‑956‑7427.
FERPA exists to protect your privacy while supporting your education. If you have questions or need help understanding your rights, Enrollment Services is available to support you.