Student education records for students enrolled in BYU Independent Study are generally accessible to the parents of minor students (and, where applicable, to students over the age of 18, i.e., “eligible students”) according to the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). BYU has adopted Access to Student Records Procedures that explain in detail the rights of parents and eligible students relating to their education records.
The following explains these rights, summarizes the procedures for exercising those rights, and describes student directory information that may be disclosed to the public without the parents’ or eligible students’ consent.
Parents of students (and eligible students) enrolled in classes through BYU Independent Study generally have the right to:
- Inspect and review education records pertaining to the student within a reasonable period of time upon submitting a written request to BYU Independent Study, with proof of identification, specifying the records to be inspected. The program will notify the requester of the time and place the records may be inspected.
- Petition BYU Independent Study to amend or correct any part of the education record believed to be inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of their privacy rights. Requests should be submitted in writing to BYU Independent Study, clearly identifying the part of the record they want changed and specifying why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the program decides not to amend the record as requested, BYU Independent Study will notify the requestor of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided when notified of the right to a hearing.
- Control the disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education record, except as otherwise authorized by law. Examples of exceptions to consent for disclosure include:
- Access to education records by school officials and agents having a legitimate educational interest in the records. This category generally includes any school official or agent who accesses student education records for the purpose of performing a task or responsibility relating to his or her employment or professional responsibility at BYU. These individuals may include faculty, administration, staff, and other agents or contractors of BYU Independent Study who manage student education record information.
- Upon request, BYU will disclose education records or information without consent to officials of another school to which the student seeks or intends to enroll, or to a school in which the student is currently enrolled.
- File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if it is believed BYU has failed to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Student Privacy Policy Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, D.C.20202-4605. https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/
DIRECTORY INFORMATION
BYU Independent Study has designated the following student information as directory information that it may disclose to third parties without consent of the parents (or of eligible students).
for BYU Independent Study High School courses
- Name
- Grade level
- Dates of attendance
for BYU Independent Study University courses
- Name
- Unique Personal Identifiers (BYU ID, Net ID, Person ID, CMIS ID)
- Addresses and telephone numbers
- E-mail address
- Month, day and place of birth
- Names of parents or spouse
- Major and minor fields of study
- Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
- Weight and height of members of athletic teams
- Pictures
- Dates of attendance (current and past)
- Number of months/semesters enrolled
- Class standing (freshman, sophomore, etc.)
- Enrollment status (full-time, part-time, less than half-time)
- Degrees and awards received
- Previous educational institutions attended
- Dates of employment and job title for student employment positions
- Anticipated future enrollments
- Course registrations prior to the beginning of a semester/term
- Expected date of graduation
- Deferred registration eligibility
Parents and eligible students have the right to restrict disclosure of the above directory information. To request restriction of disclosure, you must submit a written request to BYU Independent Study. This restriction will remain until you specifically rescind it in writing.
Student contact information is, by default, unlisted. Unlisted information should not be shared without written consent.
Directory information is not provided to third parties in the form of mailing lists or labels.
Departments or colleges requesting mailing list information or other directory information may do so by contacting the Registrar’s Office. Departments or colleges should provide a written request with the signature of the dean, department chair, or director explaining the need for the information and how it will be used.
