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Your information
is just that, yours. We are very sensitive to honoring student
rights in protecting their information as required by the federal
government. The Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
limits release of student information tightly. We can only speak
directly with students about their financial aid information once
they start classes. We are not allowed by law to speak with their
parents without the student’s authorization.
However,
students who sign a
Release of Information
form give us the authority to speak to whomever they
designate about their financial aid needs. This is particularly
helpful for those students who want their parents or spouse to
assist in the processing of their aid. Once the form is completed
and submitted to our office, anyone designated on the form as being
authorized for us to speak with can interact openly with our
department on the students’ behalf.
We ask that a
pass code be included for each person authorized by the student. We
will request this pass code when someone calls or comes in so we can
confirm the authenticity of their eligibility for the information.
Students have the right to change their list of authorized parties
at any time. If someone forgets their pass code they must contact
the student to retrieve it or complete a new Release form.
We want to
protect your privacy. But we also want to give you the ability to
have others help you as you see fit with financial aid issues. If
you want others to have access to your data, complete the
Release of Information form early
in your financial aid application process.
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