Common Questions and FERPA
My student received a notice of a possible violation, what does this mean?
This does not necessarily mean that your student is responsible for the violation. Encourage them to attend the conduct meeting scheduled and share their perspective of the incident.
What is FERPA?
FERPA is the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act that guarantees students’ privacy when it comes to their education records. This means that without written permission from the student allowing a person access to an aspect of that student’s educational record, the College cannot provide any information related to that student. For more information go to: https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/brochures/parents.html
Can I be present at the conduct meeting?
If your student gives permission and signs a FERPA release, yes. If they do not want you there or will not sign a FERPA release granting you access, you will be asked to leave.
What can I do to support my student through the conduct process?
Encourage them to review the Standards of Student Conduct that apply to all students and the Student Discipline and Due Process. More information can be found at this website or
- Board Policy 5500 — Standards of Student Conduct
- Administrative Procedure 5520 – Student Discipline and Due Process
Encourage your student to be honest throughout the process and accept responsibility if there was a policy violation. This process is not a judgment of a student’s character, but assessing a particular behavior and its impact on the campus community.
Talk with your student about what they learned through the conduct process. Ultimately, the purpose of student conduct is to educate students.
I don’t agree with the sanction or sanctions provided to my student, what can I do?
Talk with your student about their understanding of why those sanctions were imposed.
In a Notice of Determination, provided to a student after an administrative conduct meeting, possible next steps are outlined. Encourage your student to engage with the process.