How often must educational institutions notify students about their FERPA rights?

Educational institutions are required to notify students about their rights under FERPA at least once a year. This annual notification is essential because it ensures that students are aware of their rights regarding their education records. These rights include the right to access their records, the right to request corrections, and the right to control the disclosure of personally identifiable information. This requirement not only promotes transparency but also empowers students to understand and assert their rights effectively within the educational environment.

While some institutions may choose to provide this information more frequently, the minimum standard set by FERPA is an annual notification. This approach makes it manageable for schools to communicate real and relevant information about FERPA rights while ensuring that students are kept informed regularly. This annual requirement contrasts with other options, which do not meet the federal standards set by FERPA regarding notification.