Overview
The Mendocino-Lake Community College District regards the following as "Directory Information" which can be released to the public without consent: student's name, dates of attendance, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight, height, and high school of graduation of athletic team members, degrees and awards received including honors, scholarship awards, athletic awards, and Dean’s List recognition. If a student wishes to withhold "Directory Information," they must submit a written request to the Office of Admissions & Records.
In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (known as "FERPA"), all other student information, excluding that designated as Directory Information, cannot be released to a third party without written consent submitted to the college by the student. This law applies to all students attending Mendocino College regardless of the student's age. Parents and legal guardians of unmarried minors must also obtain written consent from the student.
More Information
Mendocino College maintains student records to ensure the privacy of all such records in accordance with statues set forth in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. By law, the college shall not permit access to or release of records or information to outside agencies without an educational interest unless the College obtains the student's written permission. This statute applies regardless of the student's age. Once a student under the age of 18 is admitted, they are considered a college student and this law applies to their records.
The one area of student records that can be released is called "Directory Information." Directory information at Mendocino College is defined as: student's name, dates of attendance, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight, height, and high school of graduation of athletic team members, degrees and awards received including honors, scholarship awards, athletic awards, and Dean’s List recognition. Directory information will only be blocked from release by written request of the student. Students may submit a Request to Withhold Directory Information to block such releases to the Office of Admissions & Records. The College, at its discretion, may limit or deny the release of student directory information to public or private persons or organizations based on the best interests of the students.
In accordance with the privacy act, the College also has the right to release students' records to institutions and agencies on the basis of educational interest. These are examples of situations where records would be released on the basis of educational interest: college officials, state and federal educational and auditing officers, requests in connection with the application for or receipt of financial aid, subpoenas, recovery services and court orders.
Any student has the right to inspect and review their student records, within five days of making an official request. The student may challenge the accuracy of the record or the appropriateness of its retention. Records maintained under this statue include, but are not limited to information regarding: college admission, registration, academic history, official transcripts from other schools and colleges, student benefits or services, extra-curricular activities, counseling and guidance, discipline or matters related to student conduct and any other information the college feels appropriate. All official transcripts from other schools and colleges become property of the College upon receipt and photocopies are not released.
Questions with respect to students' rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, and releases of information, should be directed to the Director of Admissions & Records.
Learn More
To learn more about FERPA, please visit: http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html.