Understanding the Importance of Non-Directory Information under FERPA

Non-Directory Information, also known as Personally Identifiable Information (PII), plays a vital role in safeguarding student privacy under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). While schools and colleges are required by law to protect all forms of student information, specific attention must be given to Non-Directory Information, as it contains sensitive data that can be used for identity theft, fraud, and other malicious purposes. In this article, we will delve into the importance of Non-Directory Information under FERPA and understand the various safeguards that institutions must put in place to protect it.

What is Non-Directory Information?

In simple terms, Non-Directory Information is defined as any personally identifiable information about a student that is not considered directory information. Directory information is public information about a student that is often found in school directories, such as the student’s name, address, phone number, email address, date and place of birth, and so on. Non-Directory Information, on the other hand, includes but is not limited to the following:

– Social Security Number
– Student ID Number
– Student’s biometric information
– Medical and Health Records
– Educational records that contain personally identifiable information
– Criminal history records

Why is Non-Directory Information Important under FERPA?

FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law stipulates that schools and colleges must obtain written consent from parents or eligible students before sharing personally identifiable information with any third party. This includes Non-Directory Information, which is subject to heightened protection, given that it can be used to identify and track students’ private information.

Non-Directory Information is essential in protecting students’ privacy and security. For example, social security numbers and student ID numbers are unique identifiers that can be used to access a student’s personal information. These identifiers are especially valuable to cybercriminals looking to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other criminal activities. Similarly, medical and health records can contain sensitive information such as illnesses, disabilities, and medications taken by a student, which can put their health and safety at risk if accessed by the wrong party.

Safeguards for Protecting Non-Directory Information under FERPA

FERPA requires educational institutions to protect Non-Directory Information through various measures, such as:

1. Obtaining Explicit Consent and Proper Identification

Under FERPA, schools must obtain written consent from eligible students or their parents before sharing Non-Directory Information with any third party. Additionally, schools must verify the identity of the person requesting the information to ensure that they have a legitimate need to know.

2. Implementing Administrative and Technical Safeguards

Schools must implement administrative and technical safeguards to protect Non-Directory Information. These measures include access controls, data encryption, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software.

3. Conducting Regular Audits and Assessments

FERPA mandates that schools must conduct regular audits and assessments of their information security programs to ensure compliance with the law. This includes reviewing access logs, conducting vulnerability assessments, and identifying and resolving any issues.

Conclusion

Non-Directory Information contains sensitive and protected student data, making it crucial for educational institutions to put adequate safeguards in place to protect it. Schools and colleges must obtain explicit consent from eligible students or their parents, implement administrative and technical safeguards, and conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with FERPA regulations. By doing so, they can help to safeguard student privacy, protect against identity theft, and promote trust in the education system.