Procedures for Releasing Student Information
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records. "Educational records" are defined as information directly related to a student and are maintained by an educational agency, or institution, or by a party acting for the agency or institution. Students may authorize Virginia Peninsula Community College to disclose information to individuals with the student's explicit written consent. Please refer to the information below for student disclosure and release of information procedures.
If a student is attending a postsecondary institution, at any age, the rights under FERPA have transferred to the student. However, in a situation where a student is enrolled at both a high school and a postsecondary institution, the two schools may exchange information on the student. If the student is under the age of 18, the parent still retains rights under FERPA at the high school and may inspect and review any records sent by the postsecondary institution to the high school.
Student Disclosure and Release of Information
The student must complete the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Release eForm authorizing the disclosure of educational records to the individuals listed on the form. The FERPA eForms can be found in the student's SIS portal (myVPCC > SIS > Student Records eForms > FERPA eForm). The student will select a passcode for each person to whom they wish to grant access and select the type of access granted. The passcode must be presented when that person wishes to access the student's record. The form will become a part of the student's educational record.or
In lieu of a student's signed release, a parent/legal guardian may present Federal Income Tax Returns for the most current year certifying that the student is a dependent (as defined by Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code). Parents/Legal Guardians must present a valid picture ID and complete "Part B" of the FERPA Release from. The FERPA Release form and tax documents will become a part of the student's educational record and will remain current for one year. Once complete, the parent/legal guardian will receive a certified copy of the FERPA release form. Parents/Legal Guardians must present a copy of the form to school officials when requesting information. Authorized individuals must present a copy of the form to school officials when requesting information.