Nashville State Community College
Students have the right to inspect and review their educational records.
The NSCC Records Office must respond to a request for access to records within a reasonable time but in no event later than 45 days of receiving the request.
Students must submit to the Office of the Registrar official written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect.
The Registrar will make arrangements for access and will notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the official to whom the request is submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be submitted.
Students have the right to request an amendment to or challenge the accuracy of their educational records.
Students should write to the college official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.
If the college does not amend the record requested by the student, the college will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to hearing regarding the request for amendment.
Students should consult with the Dean of Students regarding their appeal rights and/or the hearing procedure associated with an appeal. Students have the right to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of their records.
FERPA prevents the unauthorized disclosure of student educational records without a student’s prior consent. However, FERPA allows certain exceptions regarding the release of educational records without a student’s prior consent. The most common exceptions include disclosure without prior consent to:
1. College officials with legitimate educational interest.
2. Officials of other schools or school systems in which the student seeks to enroll.
3. Officials requesting information via judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena, providing that NSCC makes a reasonable effort to notify the student of the order or subpoena.
4. Parent of a student who is dependent on the parent(s) for income tax purposes, provided that the parents affirm dependent status in a manner satisfactory to NSCC prior to release of a copy of the student’s records.
5. Students have the right to notify the U.S. Department of Education about a violation of FERPA. If students allege that NSCC has failed to comply with requirements of FERPA, they can forward their concerns to:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave. S.W.
Washington, DC 20202-4605
Students have the right to waive the above rights in writing.
Students may waive, in writing only, their right to inspect, review, amend, and prevent disclosure of their education records.
If students wish to restrict the release of directory information to outside agencies and schools, the "Confidentiality Form" must be completed and submitted to the Records Office in D-37.
If a student wishes to authorize the release of records to other individuals, the student must complete the "authorization to Release Student Education Records Information: form, available in the Records Office. For security purposes, photo identification will be required in order to complete this form.
FERPA LINKS
FERPA Tutorial
U.S. Department of Education Model Notification of Rights under FERPA for Postsecondary institutions
U.S. Department of Education Frequently Asked Questions
U.S. Department of Education Model Notice for Directory Information
U.S. Department of Education Legislative History of Major FERPA Provisions
U.S. Department of Education Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
U.S. Department of Education FERPA General Guidelines for Students
U.S. Department of Education FERPA General Guidance for Parents