Office of the Registrar - Michigan State University
Student Rights Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Pursuant to the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the University has established policies governing privacy and release of student records. The University has designated certain personally identifiable information as directory information, which may be released at the discretion of the University to anyone who makes a request. Directory information has been defined as name, local address and telephone number, MSU Net ID, permanent address and telephone number, current enrollment status or dates of attendance, program level, class, major, current term candidacy for degree and/or teacher certification, information pertaining to awards and honors achievements, MSU degree(s) earned and dates, recommendation to the State of Michigan for teaching certificate and effective dates, participation in officially recognized MSU activities and sports--including weight and height of athletic team members, recognition documents of student organizations, employment status as a graduate teaching assistant or research assistant, office address, and office phone number.
A student may restrict the release of directory information by notifying the Office of the Registrar, 150 Administration.
Students have the right to inspect and review their education records; seek amendment of the records they believe to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of their privacy rights; consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in their records, except to the extent that the law authorizes disclosure without consent; and file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures of the University to comply with the law.
MSU's Guidelines Governing Privacy and Release of Student Records is printed in the Academic Programs catalog.
All personal information collected and recorded as part of enrollment and registration in non-credit offerings is protected by all applicable legal and institutional privacy protection statutes, policies, and practices, including the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
Pursuant to the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the University has established policies governing privacy and release of student records. The University has designated certain personally identifiable information as directory information, which may be released at the discretion of the University to anyone who makes a request. Directory information has been defined as name, local address and telephone number, MSU Net ID, permanent address and telephone number, current enrollment status or dates of attendance, program level, class, major, current term candidacy for degree and/or teacher certification, information pertaining to awards and honors achievements, MSU degree(s) earned and dates, recommendation to the State of Michigan for teaching certificate and effective dates, participation in officially recognized MSU activities and sports--including weight and height of athletic team members, recognition documents of student organizations, employment status as a graduate teaching assistant or research assistant, office address, and office phone number.
A student may restrict the release of directory information by notifying the Office of the Registrar, 150 Administration.
Students have the right to inspect and review their education records; seek amendment of the records they believe to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of their privacy rights; consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in their records, except to the extent that the law authorizes disclosure without consent; and file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures of the University to comply with the law.
MSU's Guidelines Governing Privacy and Release of Student Records is printed in the Academic Programs catalog.
All personal information collected and recorded as part of enrollment and registration in non-credit offerings is protected by all applicable legal and institutional privacy protection statutes, policies, and practices, including the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
- FERPA for Students (PowerPoint)
(PDF)
What Every Student Should Know:
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FERPA 101 (PowerPoint)
(PDF)
Student Records: Institutional Responsibility and Student Rights
- FERPA 101 Self-diagnostic quiz (PowerPoint) (PDF)
Interactive FERPA 101 Self-diagnostic quiz
Test your knowledge of: Student Records and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and MSU’s Guidelines Governing Privacy and Release of Student Records - FERPA 101 Self-diagnostic quiz (PowerPoint) (PDF)
What Every University Employee Should Know:
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FERPA 102 (PowerPoint)
(PDF)
Student Records: Institutional Responsibility and Student Rights
Helpful Guide for Administrators, Security Contacts, and Support Staff
- FERPA 102 Self-diagnostic quiz (PowerPoint) (PDF)
Interactive FERPA 102 Self-diagnostic quiz
For Administrators, Security Contacts, and Support Staff
Test your knowledge of: Student Records and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and MSU’s Guidelines Governing Privacy and Release of Student Records - FERPA 102 Self-diagnostic quiz (PowerPoint) (PDF)
Especially for Administrators, Security Contacts and Support Staff:
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FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) (PDF)
- FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) for PARENTS (PDF)
- FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) for PARENTS (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Retention and Disposition of Student Academic Records Memorandum (PDF)
- University Archives & Historical Collections – General Schedules
- University Archives & Historical Collections – General Schedules
Records Retention:
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May 14, 2007 Turnitin Memorandum to Deans, Directors, Chairs (PDF)
Turnitin, an online anti-plagiarism tool: