RU Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Policy
Radford University student record policies and practices are in full compliance with state and federal laws (FERPA).
The university will not release information about a student from records, except directory information, to people (including parents) other than a specified list of exceptions without obtaining the written consent of the student.
Upon request, the university will grant students who are or have been in attendance access to their educational records, except those excluded by law, and will provide an opportunity for a hearing to challenge such records.
University and federal law does permit the university to release information it has identified as directory information with respect to each student unless the student informs the university that any and all information designated should not be released without the student’s prior consent. Forms to request a restricted release of directory information is available online and should be filed at the Registrar’s Office. While the university understands that there are sometimes very legitimate reasons why a student may want to restrict their directory information, please note that placing a restriction on the release of a student’s information means that RU personnel can’t even acknowledge the existence of the student to a third party. This may cause the student and their parents some inconveniences related to the verification of enrollment and/or graduation for insurance and loan deferment purposes.
Radford University has identified the following as directory information.
• Student’s name, date-of-birth, local and home address, phone listing and e-mail address
• Whether a student is currently enrolled
• Major field of study
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams
• Dates of attendance
• Degrees and awards received
Students should report any change of name, address, or marital status to the Registrar’s Office so their university records can be corrected.
A full statement of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and information explaining how students may exercise the rights accorded them by this policy are posted to the RU website and are available from the Office of the University Registrar and the Office of the Dean of Students.
The restriction on the release of non-directory information does not apply to university officials or to designated persons or agencies operating on behalf of the university. For example, faculty, advisors, and academic support staff, may access non-directory information needed to perform their official responsibilities. Selected individuals or agencies operating for the university, such as the National Student Clearinghouse, may have access to academic records to verify enrollments and degrees. The university may disclose records to state agencies for the purpose of program review and evaluation.
