Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The federal Family Education Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of student information. The State of California and CSU, Chico also recognize the importance of maintaining the integrity and security of the student academic record in compliance with FERPA.
Directory and Non-Directory Information
In compliance with FERPA, California State University, Chico may release “Directory Information” (EM 22-026(opens in new window)) unless a student has requested that their information be restricted. All other student information is released only with the written consent of the student except under very strict guidelines outlined in FERPA, Section 99.3 (b).
Current students, enrolled after summer 2004, may utilize the Portal to release or restrict their information. Former students, only enrolled prior to summer 2004, may complete the Student Information Form (PDF) to release or restrict their information.
Directory information includes:
- Name of student
- Permanent, billing and local addresses
- Permanent, billing and local telephone numbers
- Student e-mail addresses
- Photographs
- Major field of study
- Participation in official recognized activities and sports
- Weight and height of member of athletic teams
- Dates of attendance
- Degrees and awards received
- The most recent previous educational institution attended by the student
- Graduation date and year
- Student class level (freshman, sophomore, etc.)
- Full time/part time status
Student Rights under FERPA
In compliance with FERPA, the state of California, and CSU, Chico regulations, students have the following rights regarding their student education records:
- The right to inspect and review their record.
- The right to request amendment to their education records in the case that they are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's privacy or other rights.
- The right to prevent unauthorized disclosure of any or all of the information in their education record, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
- The right to file with the U.S. Department of Education a complaint about a violation of FERPA regarding their education record.
- The right to waive these rights in writing.
Student Record Information in the Chico State Portal
The Chico State Portal is designed to guard a student record against unauthorized access while allowing a student access to review their record in compliance with FERPA, the state of California, and CSU, Chico privacy regulations. In the Portal, the Student Center includes access to enrollment, grades, addresses, financial information, and other important information.
Access to the Portal(opens in new window) is available for students in attendance in any term after summer 2004. Students in attendance prior to summer 2004 may request an overview of the Portal including assistance regarding new account activation, password resets, and other access issues are covered on the Information Technology Support Services website.
A secure online education in compliance with FERPA is of utmost importance at CSU, Chico. With a particular focus on ensuring student privacy in virtual classrooms and gradebook records, the Office of the Registrar in partnership with Distributed Learning Technologies has implemented Canvas, a learning management system to ensure the highest levels of accurate information transfer and record privacy. The University phased out (PDF) the previous learning management system, Blackboard Learn, due to the potential for unapproved access in the spring of 2022. Canvas(opens in new window), with much more robust controls, is up and running as of spring 2023.
More information about FERPA is available from the Department of Education(opens in new window).
If you have further questions FERPA regulations related to your student record at CSU, Chico, contact the Office of the Registrar, Student Services Center 110, (530) 898-5142.
