Understanding FERPA: What is Directory Information? Examples Included

Understanding FERPA: What is Directory Information? Examples Included

Introduction:
When it comes to education privacy, FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) is an important law governing who can access student records and what types of information can be shared. One important aspect of FERPA is the concept of directory information. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at directory information, what it includes, and why it matters.

What is Directory Information?
Directory information is a term used in FERPA to define certain types of student information that schools are allowed to disclose without obtaining prior written consent from the student or their parents. This information is considered non-sensitive and is typically information that would not be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed publicly.

Examples of Directory Information:
Some examples of directory information may include the student’s name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth, major field of study, dates of attendance, enrollment status, and degrees or awards received. It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and each school is allowed to define their own directory information. However, any information that is deemed sensitive or could be used to identify an individual is typically excluded.

Why Does Directory Information Matter?
Directory information can be important for a number of reasons. For example, schools may need to disclose directory information to provide service to a student or to comply with legal requirements. Additionally, directory information can be useful for marketing purposes or to communicate with students and their families.

However, it’s important to note that while directory information can be disclosed without prior written consent, students still have the right to opt-out of directory information disclosure. This means that schools must provide a process for students to request that their directory information not be disclosed. If a student opts-out, the school is required to honor this request.

Conclusion:
Directory information is an important aspect of FERPA that allows schools to disclose certain types of information without obtaining prior written consent. While this information may not be considered sensitive or harmful, students still have the right to opt-out of directory information disclosure. Understanding directory information and its importance can help ensure that student privacy is protected while still allowing for necessary disclosures.

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