FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) Policy
Effective Date: 08/17/2023
ShoreLight is committed to safeguarding the privacy of student education records and complying with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. This policy outlines ShoreLight's approach to maintaining the confidentiality of student records and providing students with their rights under FERPA.
- 2.1 - FERPA: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, a federal law that affords certain rights to students concerning their education records.
- 2.2 - Education Records: Any records directly related to a student and maintained by ShoreLight or a party acting on its behalf, regardless of format.
- 2.3 - Directory Information: Information that is not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. ShoreLight may disclose directory information without consent unless the student has opted out.
- 2.4 - Legitimate Educational Interest: A demonstrated need for access to an education record by a ShoreLight official to fulfill their professional responsibilities.
- 2.5 - Consent: Written permission obtained from a student, or from the parent or eligible student if the student is a minor.
ShoreLight acknowledges and upholds the following rights granted to students under FERPA:
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3.1 - Right to Inspect and Review: Students have the right to inspect and review their education records within a reasonable time after making a request.
- 3.2 - Right to Request Amendment: Students may request to amend education records they believe to be inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of their privacy rights.
- 3.3 - Right to Control Disclosure: Students can control the disclosure of their education records by providing written consent, except in instances where FERPA permits disclosure without consent.
- 3.4 - Right to File a Complaint: Students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if they believe ShoreLight has violated their rights under FERPA.
ShoreLight defines education records as including, but not limited to, academic transcripts, enrollment records, financial records, grades, and any other records that pertain directly to a student.
ShoreLight may disclose directory information without obtaining consent from the student, unless the student has chosen to opt-out of such disclosures. Directory information may include, but is not limited to, the student's name, address, email, telephone number, photograph, date and place of birth, major field of study, enrollment status, and participation in officially recognized activities and sports.
ShoreLight will not disclose education records without written consent from the student, except in cases allowed by FERPA, including but not limited to:
- 6.1 - School Officials: ShoreLight may disclose education records to school officials who have a legitimate educational interest in the records.
- 6.2 - Parents: ShoreLight may disclose education records to parents of dependent students as defined by the Internal Revenue Service.
- 6.3 - Health and Safety: Information may be disclosed to appropriate parties in cases of health and safety emergencies.
- 6.4 - Court Orders and Subpoenas: ShoreLight may disclose records in response to a court order or subpoena.
ShoreLight employs measures to protect the security and confidentiality of education records. Only authorized personnel with a legitimate educational interest are granted access to student records.
ShoreLight will annually notify students of their rights under FERPA by making this policy available on its website and through other appropriate channels.
For questions or concerns regarding ShoreLight's FERPA policy or to exercise any rights granted under FERPA, students may contact the designated FERPA compliance officer at legal@shorelight.com.
ShoreLight reserves the right to modify this FERPA policy as necessary to comply with changes in the law or its practices. Any updates will be communicated through appropriate channels.
