Student Records

FERPA — Student Records Access and Confidentiality

In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended, the College does not permit the release of personally identifiable information in student records without the written consent of the student, except as specifically allowed by FERPA statute or regulation. The Registrar controls access to and disclosure of student education records and maintains safeguards against unlawful disclosure. Record of the access and disclosure of student records must be maintained by the office providing such records (usually the Registrar), and will be made available to the student upon request.

Students have the right to inspect and review all College records, files and data directly related to themselves with certain exceptions such as financial records of the student’s parents, confidential recommendations which were received before January, 1975, or records to which students have waived their right of access. Official records and data related to a student are incorporated into his/her file, kept in the Registrar’s Office. Other student records may be maintained in the office which created the records such as Academic Deans, Faculty, Dean of Students, etc. The College reserves the right to charge for copies of student records and will prohibit release of official transcripts for students who have financial holds.

The College allows, without prior written authorization from individual students, release of personally-identifiable directory information as permitted by FERPA. Non-directory information may be accessed by school officials whom the College has determined to have legitimate education interests, authorized representatives of federal, state and local educational authorities, accrediting organizations, and officials of another institution of postsecondary education where a student seeks or intends to enroll.  The College may also disclose non-directory information in connection with a health or safety emergency, in compliance with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena, or in connection with the award of financial aid. Directory information at Cambridge College includes name, class year, home address and telephone number, e-mail address, dates of attendance, program status/major, degrees awarded, high school and any college previously attended.  The term “school official” includes a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research or support staff position; a person serving on the Board of Trustees; and a contractor outside of the College who performs an institutional service or function for which the College would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the College with respect to the use and maintenance of personally identifiable information from education records.  A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for the College.

Students who wish to keep their entire directory information private (a “FERPA block”) may contact the Registrar. Students will be annually notified of this FERPA policy by web notice, catalogue, email or other appropriate delivery method.

FERPA does not apply to the records of applicants for admission who are denied acceptance, nor does it apply to applicants who are accepted but choose not to attend Cambridge College. Admitted students are covered by FERPA once they have enrolled. A student is considered enrolled on the first day of classes.

FERPA defines “student” as any individual who is or has been in attendance at an educational agency or institution and regarding whom the agency or institution maintains education records. 34 CFR 99.3. In interpreting this definition with respect to application materials, Cambridge College has generally taken the position that records sent by the student to the college are not protected as education records unless/until the student matriculates.

If students take exception to anything in their folders on the grounds that it is inaccurate, misleading or otherwise inappropriate, they have the right to challenge its inclusion and seek to have it corrected or deleted. A written request must be submitted to the Registrar for a joint meeting with the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Registrar, and any other appropriate person to discuss the matter.

If the College fails to comply with FERPA requirements, written complaints may be submitted to the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-5920.

Change of Name, Address and Contact Information

When registering online each term, students are asked to confirm or update some personal information including their mailing address and contact information.

Students receiving federal financial aid are legally required to give their name as registered with Social Security.

Students wishing to change their names must provide legal documentation showing the reason for the change, as well as a written version of the new name. Acceptable documents include marriage certificates, divorce papers, passports, social security cards, and other court-issued documents. Students should send the request in writing and include their student ID number and/or social security number if ID number is not known. Once a student graduates the record is closed; name changes are not possible unless the student is reapplying for a new degree. See full policy.

Transcripts

Students may request their official transcripts from the Registrar’s Office at any time. If students are using financial aid, transcripts are held until all funds have been received.

Official transcripts for graduating students are not released until after the degree conferral date, when their academic record has been cleared for graduation and their accounts are paid in full and cleared by the Bursar’s Office. Student transcripts are kept permanently.

Go to Student Forms to get the Transcript Request form. The completed form must be accompanied by full payment (see Tuition Overview for cost).

Verification of Degree or Enrollment

Cambridge College has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse to provide verifications. The Registrar’s Office does not provide verifications over the phone. If you are an employer or background screener, you may contact the National Student Clearinghouse’s DegreeVerify service by web or by mail.

Web: http://www.degreeverify.org

Mail: National Student Clearinghouse
2300 Dulles Station Boulevard, Suite 300
Herndon, VA 20171

Educator Licensure/Certification Verification

State program verification forms are processed by the Office of the Dean of the School of Education & Counseling. Forms cannot be completed until the graduating student’s conferral date.