Welcome
Welcome to FERPA: Whose Business Is It?
This course was designed with video, readings, scenario-based practice, and a downloadable FERPA Review Sheet that will enable you to do the following:
☐ Define FERPA law and Northwestern policy☐ Identify situations when FERPA applies and when it does not
☐ Protect the legal rights of Northwestern students
☐ Respond to requests for student data from various parties
☐ Apply policy to handling student education record information
☐ Identify when to make decisions on your own and when to seek expert advice.
Overview
Navigate this course in the sequence suggested in the menu and in table of contents.
First, get The Big Picture. Watch a short video that explains what FERPA is, what it means at Northwestern, and how faculty and staff can best comply with its requirements. Prefer reading? A full transcript follows immediately below the video.
Second, get The Details. Optionally, watch a series of shorter videos that provide detail about FERPA. As above, a full transcript follows each video if you prefer to read.
Third, practice. Respond to all scenarios, paying close attention to feedback, and submit your answers.
Finally, refer to the FERPA Review Sheet — downloaded from myHR Learn — when you need a refresher. It summarizes the law, Northwestern policy, and contains reminders for the most frequently encountered scenarios.
Table of Contents
2. The Details (Optional)
Background
Definitions
Rights
Exceptions
3. Decision Practice (Required)
Student Requests
Official Requests
Parent Requests
External Requests
4. Conclusion (Required)