What does FPCO provide if an allegation is supported after a complaint investigation?

The Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO) addresses allegations of violations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). If an investigation concludes that a complaint is substantiated, the FPCO provides instructions on how to rectify the situation. This guidance typically includes specific steps the institution must take to resolve the issue that led to the complaint, ensuring compliance with FERPA requirements. This focus on remedial action helps to correct the practices or policies that may have contributed to the violation and aims to prevent similar issues in the future.

While recommendations for government oversight, a list of penalties, or new policy proposals may be considerations in some contexts, the primary role of the FPCO in this situation is to provide practical and actionable instructions that directly address the identified problems. This helps the institution align with FERPA regulations and ensures that students' rights regarding their educational records are protected moving forward.