What should educational institutions do to ensure compliance with FERPA?

Implementing training and policies on student privacy is essential for educational institutions to ensure compliance with FERPA, as it creates a culture of awareness and responsibility regarding the handling of student records. FERPA, or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, governs the rights of students concerning their educational records. By providing training, faculty and staff can better understand their obligations under the law, the importance of protecting student information, and the proper protocols to follow when handling student records.

Developing clear policies establishes guidelines that everyone in the institution must follow, which helps prevent violations that could lead to serious legal and financial consequences. Making these policies known and ensuring regular training sessions helps institutions foster a climate of respect for student privacy and confidentiality, thereby supporting overall compliance with FERPA regulations.