Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”), a Federal law, requires that Atlanta Technical College, with certain exceptions, obtain a student’s written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from that student’s education records. Find out what FERPA is and how the laws change for parents and students when they enter college at the U.S. Department of Education.
However, Atlanta Technical College may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent unless the student has advised Atlanta Technical College to the contrary. Public Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without the student’s prior written consent. The following pieces of information are considered "public directory information:"
- Full name of student
- Major and field(s) of study
- Enrollment Status (full time, part-time, etc.) \
- Degrees and awards and date received
- Dates of attendance
- Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
- Weight and height of members of athletic teams
If a student does not want Atlanta Technical College to disclose directory information from his or her student education records without prior written consent, the student must notify Enrollment Services, in writing, by the first day of the semester at the registrar’s office. A student need only file this notification once during his or her enrollment. However, if there is a break in enrollment or transfer to another TCSG technical college, a new notification must be filed.
Even if a student elects to prohibit the release of directory information, Atlanta Technical College may still implement policies requiring the student to wear or present a student ID badge.
Non-public directory information is not available to the public, but is available to any college official. If the student has indicated to restrict their data, then college officials can only access the information when it is needed for educational purposes.
Additionally, certain state and federal laws require the release of certain student information without prior notification to the student. Questions concerning the release of student information should be addressed to the Office of Enrollment Services.