UNL FERPA COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR

All general questions and concerns related to interpreting and implementing FERPA statutes and Board of Regents FERPA rules at UNL should be first directed to:


Steven Booton
University Registrar

location icon59 ADMN

phone icon402-472-2625

Email iconsbooton2@unl.edu


Amend or Review

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WHAT IS AMENDING and reviewing A RECORD?

This covers two of the FERPA established student rights.

  1. Students have the right to request an amendment to their educational record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading.
  2. Students have the right to inspect and review their personal educational records.
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BASICS OF
VIEWING A RECORD

Students may request to inspect their educational records through a written request. 

If the records are not maintained by the school official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.

If the correct official is unknown, contact the  Office of the University Registrar.

See below for more details.

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What does this mean as a UNL Employee?

Students may submit a written request to view and amend their records. This page details procedures faculty, advisors, and staff need to follow upon receiving a request to view or amend.

Questions?

Contact the Office of the University Registrar at 402-472-3635 or registrar@unl.edu

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BASICS OF
AMENDING A RECORD

Students are able to request an amendment on their educational records they believe are misleading or inaccurate. This process may not be used to challenge a grade, opinion, or decision by UNL about the student.

The student must submit a written statement clearly identifying the parts of the record they want to change and specify why it should be changed.

See below for more details.

PROCEDURES
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Request to view a record

Students may request to inspect their educational records through a written request.

What should I do?

The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the school official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.

If the correct official is unknown, contact the Office of the University Registrar.

DEADLINE

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln must respond to the request within 45 days from the date they receive a request for access.

What are considered educational records?

Educational records are pieces of information relating to students and maintained by the institution or it's agent. This information is not permitted to be released to the general public. Educational records can be:

  • Handwritten Notes
  • Computer Files/Generated Information
  • Printed Information
  • Video Or Audio
  • Microfilm Or Microfiche
  • Photos
  • Any information maintained in any way about the student

Information kept by and only seen by staff is not considered an educational record.

What are not considered educational records?

The following records are excluded from the definition of educational records:

  • "Sole possession" records made by faculty and staff for their own use as reference or memory aids and not shared with others
  • Personal observations
  • University law enforcement records
  • Medical and mental health records used only for the treatment of the student
  • Alumni records
  • Peer graded papers and exams prior to the grade being recorded in the instructor's grade book
  • Financial information submitted by parents
  • Confidential letters and recommendations placed in their files prior to January 1, 1975
  • Confidential letters and recommendations placed in their files after January 1, 1975, if:
    • the student has waived the right to inspect and review those records; and
    • the records are related to the student’s admission to an educational institution or program, application for employment, or receipt of an honor

Can the student request a copy?

Students may request a copy; a fee may be applicable.

However, UNL is not required to provide a copy except in circumstances where not providing a copy prohibits the student from being able to review the records (such as great distance).

Contact the Office of the University Registrar with any questions.

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request to amend a record

Students may request an amendment on their educational records they believe are misleading or inaccurate.

A student who wishes to ask UNL to amend a record should write the school official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants to change, and specify why it should be changed.

What can a student not amend?

This process may not be used to challenge a grade, opinion, or decision by UNL about the student.

Amending

If the school official responsible for the record agrees the information needs to be amended and the details have been discussed with appropriate personnel, the department may amend the record.

Not Amending

If UNL decides not to amend the record as requested, UNL will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment.

Hearing

If the student would like to follow through with a hearing, the school official responsible for the record will need to set up a meeting together with a non-partial third party and the student. The student then may present evidence to prove that their records were incorrect or misleading. Any decision made must be documented in writing.

If the University is convinced by the hearing they will amend the records and notify the student.

If the University is not convinced by the hearing they must allow the student to insert a statement about the contested information to be held with the records.

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