What action does FPCO take if no infraction is found during their investigation?

The Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO) plays a crucial role in ensuring institutions comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). If, during their investigation, the FPCO determines that no infraction has occurred, it is standard practice for them to notify the involved parties that no violation was found. This communication provides transparency in the process and assures the parties that their concerns were taken seriously and thoroughly investigated. Informing the parties of the outcome also helps maintain clarity about their rights and the institution's adherence to regulations.

The other options may not align with the established practices of the FPCO. For instance, immediately closing a case without feedback could leave parties without clarity on the outcome, which is not a typical approach for ensuring trust and transparency. Providing recommendations for future investigations is not a common practice unless there were findings that warranted such suggestions. Additionally, escalating the matter to a legal authority would generally occur only if there were significant concerns about compliance; this would not be applicable when the investigation finds no infraction.