What occurs when a FERPA complaint is filed?

When a FERPA complaint is filed, the Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO) is responsible for investigating the issue raised by the complainant. Upon receiving the complaint, the FPCO will assess the merits of the claim, gather relevant information, and communicate with all parties involved. This process is essential to ensure that the rights of students are protected and any potential violations of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act are addressed appropriately.

During this investigation, the FPCO focuses on determining whether the educational institution has complied with FERPA regulations. This typically includes examining the details of the complaint, reviewing the educational records in question, and seeking clarification from the educational institution. The steps taken by the FPCO aim to uphold the integrity of student records and the privacy rights afforded to students under FERPA.