Student Information

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 form "Part A" authorizing the disclosure of educational records to the individuals listed on the form. Forms can be obtained in the Office of Enrollment Services (Room 208, Griffin Hall, Hampton Campus) or Student Services (Room 117, Historic Triangle Campus). The student must provide a valid picture ID to initiate the form and the form must be completed in person. The form will become a part of the student's educational record. Once complete, the student will receive a certified copy of the FERPA Release form. Authorized individuals must present a copy of the form to school officials when requesting information.

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.