Office of the Registrar

FERPA, Facts & Figures

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) refers to the privacy of student records. Under FERPA, the registrar is responsible for maintaining education records.

FERPA defines a student as, “any individual for whom an educational institution maintains education records. The term “student” does not include an individual who has not been in attendance at the institution.” AACRAO 2013

Union considers an individual a student at the time they register for courses and are enrolled.

Directory Information

The following information, specific to Union Theological Seminary, is considered personally identifiable and may be released without student consent, unless a Withhold Directory Information form is completed and submitted to the registrar. The below information may be disclosed for legitimate educational purposes.

  • Address
  • Date of Birth
  • Dates of Attendance
  • Degree & Concentration
  • Email Address (UTS)
  • Enrollment Status
  • Name
  • Phone Number
  • Photograph
  • Year

Additionally, student login information for distance education programs, via Columbia University UNI codes, is protected.

FERPA 34 CFR § 99.31

Resources

Department of Education on FERPA 

Defining Directory Information

FERPA for Students

AACRAO’s FERPA Guide

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