FERPA Compliance for Cross-Section Activities

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) that pertains to cross-section activities involving students is not a new policy, but rather a reinforcement of existing FERPA requirements to ensure that we continue safeguarding students’ privacy and educational records.

When planning cross-section activities, it is essential to remember that any sharing of student information between sections must align with FERPA regulations. If you intend to share student information or have students interact across different sections for academic purposes, a FERPA waiver is required. This waiver ensures that students are fully aware and provides consent for their information to be shared in this context.

We trust your discretion in determining the best method for obtaining and retaining waivers and facilitating cross-section collaboration. However, it is important to ensure that proper consent is documented before proceeding. Please note that students may not be penalized or disadvantaged in any way for choosing not to consent to the sharing of their information. Alternative accommodations should be made available to ensure their equitable participation without requiring disclosure.

For more information, contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@sandiego.edu.