Student Records and FERPA Rights
The University of Ontological Science maintains the privacy and security of student educational records in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This federal law ensures students have specific rights regarding their academic records while establishing guidelines for their protection and disclosure.
Your Rights Under FERPA
As a TUOS student, FERPA grants you the right to inspect and review your educational records within 45 days of submitting a request. You may request amendments to records you believe are inaccurate or misleading. The university requires your written consent before disclosing personally identifiable information from your educational records, except in circumstances permitted by law.
Accessing Your Records
Current and former students may request access to their educational records through our secure student portal. Your records include academic transcripts, research documentation, enrollment information, and other materials directly related to your educational experience at TUOS.
Submit your request through the student portal, specifying which records you wish to review. The appropriate university official will arrange access and notify you of the time and place where you may review the records.
Requesting Record Amendments
If you believe your educational records contain inaccurate or misleading information, you may request an amendment. Submit a written request clearly identifying the specific information you wish to change and explaining why it should be modified. The university will notify you of its decision regarding your amendment request.
Should the university decide not to amend the record, you have the right to request a formal hearing. Additional information regarding hearing procedures will be provided when you are notified of this right.
Directory Information
TUOS may disclose directory information without your written consent. Directory information includes:
Name
Enrollment status
Graduation dates
Degrees awarded
Research focus areas
Academic program
You may request that the university withhold your directory information by submitting a privacy request through the student portal.
Disclosure Permissions
The university must obtain your written consent before releasing non-directory information from your educational records. However, FERPA allows disclosure without consent in specific situations, including:
Legitimate educational interest by school officials
Transfer institutions
Specified officials for audit or evaluation
Organizations conducting research for the university
Accrediting organizations
Compliance with judicial orders
Health and safety emergencies
Maintaining Privacy
TUOS implements comprehensive security measures to protect student records, including:
Secure digital storage systems
Encrypted data transmission
Regular security audits
Staff training on FERPA compliance
Access controls and authentication
Documentation of all record requests
Annual Notification
TUOS provides annual notification to students regarding their FERPA rights. This notification includes detailed information about directory information, disclosure policies, and procedures for exercising your rights under FERPA.
Record Types Maintained
The university maintains various educational records, including:
Academic transcripts
Research documentation
Enrollment records
Financial aid information
Academic correspondence
Program progression documents
Research participation records
Exercising Your Rights
Understanding and exercising your FERPA rights is an important aspect of managing your academic career at TUOS. Review your rights carefully and maintain copies of any requests or correspondence regarding your educational records.
Your privacy is essential to TUOS, and we maintain strict compliance with FERPA regulations while ensuring transparent access to your educational records.