The Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Western Iowa Tech Community College complies with the provisions of the Federal Family educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended ("FERPA"). Under the Act, each student has the right to inspect and review their student records and request the amendment of inaccurate or misleading student records or request the amendment of student records to ensure they are not otherwise in violation of the student's privacy or other rights.
FERPA also covers other information about student records that the College maintains, including, but not limited to, who has access to them, and for what purposes access is granted. Generally, FERPA allows the College to release personally identifiable information contained in student records with the student's consent and without the student's consent in some circumstances. FERPA also permits the College to release "directory information" without the student's consent. Directory information consists of: Student name, student address and telephone number, date and place of birth, major/field of study, level of education, dates of attendance, degrees and honors earned and dates, and the most recent educational agency or institution attended prior to enrollment at the College.
Students who wish to restrict access to their records may do so in the Admissions Office. This same office can provide Western Iowa Tech policy statements and guidelines for access or restricting of access to student records.
If a student feels the College has failed to comply with any provision of FERPA or its regulations, the student may file a complaint with the:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue SW
Washington, D.C. 20202