Protecting Your Students’ Privacy,
While Capturing Milestone Moments…
Graduation is a pivotal milestone, filled with moments that students and their families will treasure forever. However, in today’s digital age, preserving these moments must be balanced with the protection of student privacy. That’s where the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and The Grad Team come into play. Understanding FERPA is crucial for schools, especially when considering services like graduation photography. So let’s dive into what you need to know about FERPA and how The Grad Team complies with this important legislation.
What is FERPA?
FERPA is a U.S. federal law aimed at protecting the privacy of student education records. It outlines what types of information schools can release and under what conditions, as well as the rights of parents for students under the age of 18 attending non-postsecondary institutions.
Directory Information and FERPA
According to FERPA guidelines, 34 CFR § 99.31 “directory information” such as a student’s name, address, telephone listing, and field of study, among other things, may be released without prior consent, unless the student notifies the institution otherwise. Schools have a responsibility to ensure they are in compliance with these regulations.
How Does The Grad Team Fit In?
The Grad Team works closely with educational institutions to make sure we are fully compliant with FERPA guidelines. Here’s how:
Utilizing School-Provided Information
FERPA permits the release of “directory information,” allowing The Grad Team to use school-provided addresses and email addresses as a secondary source for distributing free, no-obligation commencement photography proofs to graduates and their families.
Direct Data from Graduates
The most reliable, up-to-date addresses are those obtained directly from graduates at the event using The Grad Team’s Selfie SingUp. This ensures that we are in line with FERPA’s emphasis on student consent.
Privacy and Security Measures
Remember, The Grad Team takes privacy seriously. We do not sell or divulge any student information to third parties unless required by law. All information is used solely to distribute proofs and special offers, and we take measures to protect this data at all times.
Why Partner with The Grad Team?
When you choose The Grad Team for your graduation photography needs, you’re not just getting high-quality, memorable photos for your institution and for your graduates. You’re choosing a partner committed to adhering to all FERPA guidelines, ensuring both a memorable and secure experience for all involved.
The Bottom Line
In an age where privacy concerns are on the rise, it’s important to choose vendors who understand and respect these issues. The Grad Team stands as a paragon of FERPA compliance, delivering exceptional graduation photography services without compromising on the safety and privacy of your students.
Photographer, Commencement Specialist, Systems Manager
