Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Jasmine Q. Class of 2019

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (“FERPA”), sets out requirements designed to afford students certain rights with respect to their education records. In addition, it puts limits on what information the University may disclose to third parties without receiving prior written consent from the student via a FERPA release form, an authorized signature on another document or a lawfully issued subpoena or judicial order.

The University Registrar’s office maintains student educational records, provides students access to their records, and keeps information contained in those records confidential as required by the Family Educational Rights to Privacy Act (FERPA). The Act covers anyone who is or has enrolled at the University.

In addition, it puts limits on what information National University may disclose to third parties without receiving prior written consent from the student via a FERPA release form, an authorized signature on another document or a lawfully issued subpoena or judicial order. Additional information regarding FEPRA is available in the Policies and Procedures section of our Catalog.

Please be advised that the Solomon Amendment is a federal law that requires universities receiving federal funding to provide specific student information to military recruiters. This law overrides the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) in cases of military requests, granting recruiters access to designated student details.

How Does the Solomon Amendment Affect National University?

Since National University receives federal funding, it must comply with military recruiters’ requests for student information. The details shared are based on how National University defines directory information under FERPA.

Key Implications of the Solomon Amendment

1. What Information Can Be Shared?

Military recruiters can request directory information, which typically includes:

Name
Address
Phone number
Date of birth
Academic major
Year of study

2. FERPA and Directory Information

National University’s Policy: National University defines what constitutes directory information and applies this definition uniformly to all third parties, including military recruiters.
Opting Out: Students can opt out of sharing their directory information with third parties, but they must submit their opt-out request before any recruiter makes an information request.

3. Recruiter Access to Campus

Military recruiters are also entitled to the same access to campus and students as other employers, including:

Career fairs
Recruitment events

For more information please see 10 U.S.C. § 983 and 32 CFR Part 216