Accessibility to Student Records and The Privacy Act

Florida National University does not release student record information, except as permitted under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. The students’ educational records are confidential. FNU retains student records in an electronic, student information system, in perpetuity.

A student who is eighteen years old or any student enrolled in a post-secondary program must provide one of the following: (a) written consent to release information to his/her parents, or (b) parental evidence that said student is a dependent of the parents as defined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code, 1954. The parents no longer have any rights under the Code unless these requirements are met. Other parties will not be able to receive information without the written consent of the student.

The student has a right to be informed of any request for information concerning his/her files, according to Statute 20, United States Code, section 123g and regulations adopted pursuant thereto (and thereafter referred to as Code). A copy of the entire Code can be obtained in the Office of the Director of Student Services or at any Campus Dean’s office.

Under the Code, FNU has established a classification of student information referred to as “directory information.” This “directory information” will be made available to persons on request based on availability of access. Florida National University has established the following data as “directory information.”

1. Student’s full name
2. Sex
3. Career major
4. Participation in student organizations
5. Dates of attendance (start and withdrawal dates)
6. Degree and awards received

Other information will only be available to the student and certain staff members of FNU who need it for completing their work in regards to the student, and otherwise only to parents or guardians designated by the student under FERPA. Such data includes:

1. Health and medical records
2. Disciplinary records
3. Personal counseling records
4. Student or family financial income
5. Student placement records
6. Other personal, identifiable information

The Records Custodian of Florida National University may release information from these records only upon authorization in writing from the student or in case of subpoena by the court or when needed by the President of FNU in completing official responsibilities within the limits of the law when mandated by state board regulations, or board policies. The student has the right, upon informing the Registrar’s Office in writing, to withhold personal directory information from publication or release.