General Policies and Regulations

Student Educational Records and Privacy Rights

The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (20 U.S.C. 1232 g) and regulations adopted thereunder (34 C.F.R. 99) set out requirements designed to protect students' privacy in their records maintained by the campus. The statute and regulations govern access to certain student records maintained by the campus and the release of such records. The law provides that the campus must give students access to most records directly related to the student, and must also provide opportunity for a hearing to challenge the records if the student claims they are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise inappropriate. The right to a hearing under this law does not include any right to challenge the appropriateness of a grade determined by the instructor. The law generally requires the institution to receive a student's written consent before releasing personally identifiable data about the student. The institution has adopted a set of policies and procedures governing implementation of the statutes and the regulations. Copies of these policies and procedures may be obtained on the Enrollment Services website. Copies can also be obtained at the Office of Enrollment Services or the Office of Judicial Affairs. Among the types of information included in the campus statement of policies and procedures are: (1) the types of student records maintained and the information they contain; (2) the official responsible for maintaining each type of record; (3) the location of access lists indicating persons requesting or receiving information from the record; (4) policies for reviewing and expunging records; (5) student access rights to their records; (6) the procedures for challenging the content of student records; (7) the cost to be charged for reproducing copies of records; and (8) the right of the student to file a complaint with the Department of Education. The Department of Education has established an office and review board to investigate complaints and adjudicate violations. The designated office is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202-5920.

The campus is authorized under the Act to release “directory information” concerning students. CSULB designates the following items authorized by FERPA as Directory Information: student’s name, address (see below for conditions), telephone number (see below for conditions), email address (see below for conditions), major field of study, dates of attendance, grade level, enrollment status, and degrees, honors, and awards received. Addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses for currently enrolled students will be released to CSULB personnel and units solely for the purpose of conducting legitimate University business. They may not be shared with individuals or organizations outside the University except in accordance with the following provisions. Addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses may be released for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations outside the University provided the requests for such information have been reviewed and approved by the appropriate University personnel. Requests from the academic offices of accredited educational institutions shall be reviewed by the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs or designee. All other requests shall be reviewed by the Vice President for Student Services or designee. Otherwise, the University may disclose any of the items designated as “directory information” above without prior written consent, unless the student provides a request that certain information not be released (non-disclosure). Requests for non-disclosure may be made directly by the student utilizing their self-service account in the student system via the Internet. If the student does not have access to the Internet, their request for non-disclosure must be requested on the “Authorization to Withhold Student Information” form, available in the Office of Enrollment Services. Specifying items as directory information allows the University to disclose this information without prior written consent. It does not require that the University release the information except under court direction. In addition to the above, the Director of Athletics may provide information concerning participation of students in athletic events, including the height and weight of athletes. The University will also respond to requests for information regarding the employment status of students serving as Teaching Associates (TAs), Graduate Assistants (GAs), or Instructional Student Assistants (ISAs) and the departments that employ them.

The campus is authorized to provide access to student records to campus officials and employees who have legitimate educational interests in such access. These persons have responsibilities in campus’ academic, administrative, or service functions and have reason for accessing student records associated with their campus or other related academic responsibilities. Student records may also be disclosed to other persons or organizations under certain conditions (e.g., as part of accreditation or program evaluation; in response to a court order or subpoena; in connection with financial aid; for specified health or safety matters; or to other institutions in which the student has enrolled or seeks to enroll).