FERPA - Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
HOWARD UNIVERSITY PROMOTES interactive problem solving and open communication between students and their families. However, the University is required to comply with certain federal and state regulations governing the disclosure of student information. The dominant federal law pertaining to student information is the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). FERPA permits Howard faculty, staff and representatives to discuss the content of a student's education record with a third party only if specific regulations are met. The Howard University "Student Privacy Rights Policy" can be found here. Below is a list of frequently asked questions to help you understand these regulations.
Q: What can I do if I want faculty and staff to be able to talk to my parents about my education record?
A: Students who wish to provide access for third party individuals to access their educational record information must update permissions in BisonHub. Student should access BisonHub, add the contact information for the family member/friend, and then manage permissions to the family/friend as a "third party" and grant access to the relevant information desired. Students can access step-by-step directions on how to complete these steps by viewing Manage Third-Party Permission Job Aid in Canvas.
Q: Must the access be granted online?
A: Yes. The U.S. Department of Education passed legislation allowing an electronic consent for the release of records. Howard University uses the Manage Third Party Permissions feature in BisonHub (powered by Workday). Any previous submissions of FERPA forms must be completed again.
Q: Once I update my consent, how long is it in effect?
A: Consent will remain in effect until a student updates their third-party permissions in BisonHub (powered by Workday).
Q: What should I do if I want my “directory information” handled as confidential information?
A: Students may choose at any time to have their directory information marked confidential by accessing the Manage My Privacy Settings task in BisonHub (powered by Workday). Here you can indicate whether you wish to have your directory information made public or not, and whether the University can share directory information with outside entities. Please carefully consider the consequences of a decision to withhold directory information. The University will honor your request to withhold directory information from non-institutional persons or organizations. Regardless of the effect upon you, Howard assumes no liability as a result of honoring your instructions to withhold this information.
Q: I completed the hard copy/digital FERPA form for your legacy student information system? Do I have to submit another form for your new student information system?
A: Yes. Any previous FERPA consent that was granted using the old FERPA release form must be submitted again in our new student information system. The process of managing third party permissions in BisonHub (powered by Workday) is quick and easy, and does not require intervention by a Howard staff member.