3.9.2  

The institution protects the security, confidentiality, and integrity of its student records.

RATIONALE FOR COMPLIANCE JUDGMENT

Nashville State Technical Community College manages students records in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) [1] and the Tennessee Board of Regents Policy 3:02:03:00 [2].  This information is published in the college catalog [3], and the student handbook [4].  A tutorial on FERPA is available on the college website [5] and new faculty and staff receive a general overview of FERPA by Human Resource staff and FERPA training from Records staff. 

Students are informed of their rights associated with student records through these publications.  Students have the right to inspect information contained in their educational records and to challenge the contents of their educational records and request appropriate amendment to the records. 

In accordance with FERPA , access to individual student records (beyond directory information) is available only with the student’s prior written consent.  Directory information concerning students is considered public information.  NSCC directory information includes student name, address, telephone number, place of birth, major field of study, e-mail address, dates of attendance, full-time or part-time status, degrees and awards received, and the most recent educational institution attended by the student. 

Student records are maintained on a secure database which is accessed by password only.  The database resides on an encrypted platform.  Student data is available to the student through a web-based interface.  Data over the web is also accessed through an encrypted and password protected process.

Student record documents are imaged and attached to student computer records.  Documents are then shredded.  Any hard copy student records are maintained in locked offices or locked file cabinets.  Documents are maintained following the Tennessee Board of Regents guidelines [6].