FERPA Policy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. In compliance with FERPA, Horizon University is committed to safeguarding the privacy of student records and providing students with specific rights regarding their education records. Below are the rights granted to students under FERPA:

Student Rights Under FERPA

  • Right to Inspect and Review Education Records

    • Students have the right to inspect and review their education records maintained by Horizon University.
    • Procedure: Students must submit a written request to the Registrar or designated school official, identifying the record(s) they wish to inspect. The school official will arrange access and inform the student of the time and place for inspection. If the records are not maintained by the official receiving the request, the student will be directed to the correct official.

  • Right to Request an Amendment of Records

    • Students have the right to request corrections to their education records if they believe the information is inaccurate or misleading.
    • Procedure: To request an amendment, students should write to the school official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part to be changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If Horizon University decides not to amend the record, the student will be notified and informed of their right to a hearing. Additional information about the hearing process will be provided at that time.

  • Right to Consent to Disclosures of Personally Identifiable Information

    • Students have the right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in their education records, except under certain conditions where FERPA allows disclosure without consent.

  • Right to File a Complaint

    • Students have the right to file a complaint regarding alleged failures of Horizon University to comply with FERPA requirements. Complaints can be filed with the Family Policy Compliance Office at the U.S. Department of Education:

Disclosure of “Directory Information”

In accordance with Section 99.37 of the FERPA regulations, Horizon University is authorized to release “directory information” unless the student has provided prior written notice requesting non-disclosure. “Directory information” may include:

  • Student’s name, address, telephone number, and email address
  • Photograph, date, and place of birth
  • Major field of study, dates of attendance, grade level, enrollment status
  • Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
  • Weight and height of members of athletic teams
  • Degrees, honors, and awards received
  • Most recent educational institution attended

Students who wish to opt-out of the release of directory information must submit a written objection specifying which information they do not want to be released.

Disclosure Without Consent

Under Section 99.31 of the FERPA regulation, Horizon University may disclose information from a student’s education record without consent to the following parties or under the following conditions:

  • School officials with a legitimate educational interest
  • Other schools to which a student is transferring
  • Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes
  • Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student
  • Organizations conducting studies for or on behalf of the school
  • Accrediting organizations
  • Compliance with judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas
  • Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies
  • State and local authorities within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific state law

Additional Information

For more information, technical assistance, or questions regarding student rights under FERPA and Horizon University policies, please contact the University Registrar’s Office.