The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 protects the privacy of student records or those records that are directly related to the student and maintained by the institution. An educational record is any student related piece of paper or information displayed on a computer screen regarding student enrollment, grades, transcripts, schedules, notes, personal information, student bills or financial aid records.

FERPA allows the College to disclose personally identifiable information in a student's educational record, under certain circumstances without the consent of the student. FERPA also permits the College to disclose, upon request, directory information, as defined below, without the consent of the student unless the student has otherwise directed the College, in writing. Students who do not want directory information released must submit a written request, in person at the Liberty Campus, to the College Registrar, or the appointed designee.

FERPA applies to students, parents/guardians, family members, school officials, other outside institutions and government agencies.

Directory Information

Directory information is data that an institution may disclose if it has given public notice to students or, if applicable, parents/guardians. A student has the right to request that information not be released by sending a letter to the College Registrar.

The policy of the college is that without the written consent of the student, the College will disclose the following directory information:

1.  Student's name;
2. Whether or not a student is enrolled in the college, including work study status;
3. Major field of study;
4. Dates of attendance;
5. Degrees and awards; and
6. Upon the reasonable request of a local, state or federal law enforcement agency, the College will provide the law enforcement agency with any directory information permitted under FERPA, in addition to the information set forth above. The College will not attempt to give students prior notice of any disclosure made pursuant to this paragraph on directory information.

The disclosure of directory information policy does not apply to former students. Directory information, other than address or telephone number regarding former students will be released upon request, unless the request is from a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency, in which case the College will release the address and telephone number to the law enforcement agency.

Click Here for the College's FERPA Release Form

Student Rights

Each student has the following rights with respect to the inspection and amendment of education records:

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days the College receives a written request for access, in accordance with the procedures found in the "Student Records Policies and Procedures" (the "College Policy"). The College Policy directs students to submit their written request to the College Registrar or the appointed designee. The College Registrar will accessible and notify the student of the time and location where the records may be reviewed.
2. A student may request the correction and/or amendment of information in records where the student believes is inaccurate or misleading, or is in violation of the student's privacy rights. Requests for corrections and/or amendments shall be made in writing and in accordance with the Section entitled "Amendment of Education Records" in the College Policy.
3. The right of each student to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information in the student's educational records. The College must obtain the consent of a student prior to disclosure of personally identifiable information to parties outside of the College, except to the extent the disclosure is permitted under FERPA or the USA Patriot's Act.
4. FERPA does not afford a student a private right of action, but it does give a student the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

Information for Parents/Guardians

Under FERPA, at the post-secondary level, release of educational records or information is under the control of the student. Parents/guardians do not have the right to inspect or access a student’s educational or information record without written approval from the student. 

Exceptional Circumstances for Parents/Guardians

The College may disclose student information such as class schedules, transcripts or grades if the parent /guardian can:

1. Prove the student is a dependent by providing a copy of their most recent IRS return and a signed and dated written request to the College Registrar.   
2. BCCC must also receive signed and dated written consent from the student with a description of the information to be released or a completed FERPA Release Form signed by the student. This consent is required by law.