It is not the intent of FERPA to interfere with the normal operation of an educational institution, so educational information can be shared between school officials for legitimate educational purposes.

For FERPA, a school official is:

• a person employed by the college in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff);
• a person or company with whom the college has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent) a person serving on the Board of Trustees;
• a student serving on an official committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.

 

A school official has a legitimate educational interest in the protected education records if the official is:

• performing a task that is specified in the official's position description or contract agreement; related to a student's education; related to the discipline of a student;
• providing a service or benefit relating to the student or student's family, such as health care, counseling, job placement, or financial aid;
• maintaining the safety and security of the campus.

 

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