Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The University abides by federal regulations known as the "Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act," or FERPA. According to these regulations, a student's record is confidential. In keeping with the regulations, the University will only release directory information, such as a student's name, address, telephone listing, major fields of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, unless the student has asked UTC to withhold such information.
According to these regulations, University personnel may not review the student's record and academic performance with the student's parents, guardians, spouse, or others unless the student provides written consent for the release of such information. The regulations allow the University to share student information with University personnel who have a legitimate educational need for the information, other institutions engaged in research (provided information is not revealed to any other parties), designated agents of the University and certain federal and state government officials.
Students may inspect and review their records and are entitled to challenge the content of records. However, students may be denied access to their parent's financial statement and to confidential letters and statements of recommendation that were placed in the University's records prior to January 1, 1975.
The University Registrar is responsible for interpreting and enforcing FERPA regulations at the University.
