Academic Catalog :: Requirements & Policies - General

Rights Under Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
All students have specific rights of privacy and access to their educational records. A detailed description of student rights as defined by FERPA is available in the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs.

Student Records and Disclosures
Springfield College in Illinois maintains an educational record for each student who is or has been enrolled at the College. In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 (Public Law 93-380, as amended), the following student rights are covered by the Act and accorded to all eligible Springfield College in Illinois students.

1. Right to Inspect and Review Education Records — Students have the right to inspect their own educational records including academic records in the Registrar’s Office and financial records in the Business Office (other than the financial records of their parents). Inspection may occur solely at the office, which is responsible for maintaining the record, and all records to which a student has legal access will normally be made available without a written request during regular office hours. A complete listing is in the Registrar’s Office of what information is kept and who has access.

2. Right to Consent to or Withhold Disclosure of Personally Identifiable Information – Except when requested by the student to withhold directory information, the College may release by telephone or in writing, without the student’s consent, information concerning former or currently enrolled students that might appear in college directories and publications, which are available to the public. The College’s policy is that any directory information, which is not newsworthy and not published in a college directory, is released only after careful inquiry establishing the need for the information. Upon written request by the student, directory information will be kept confidential. Requests must be filed in the Registrar’s Office on or before the last day to add courses for the semester (usually the sixth day of classes). Requests remain in force for one academic year unless rescinded by the student.

3. Right to Seek Amendment of Education Records – Students have the right to contest the content of an educational record which they believe is inaccurate, misleading or in violation of privacy or other rights. They should first contact the College official in charge of the record and provide evidence why it should be amended. Most issues concerning the accuracy of student records are resolved in this manner. If they are not, students may consult the Dean of Student Affairs regarding grievance procedures.

4. Right to File a Complaint with the Department of Education – Students may file a written complaint with the Department’s Family Policy Compliance Office regarding alleged failures by the institution to comply with FERPA requirements. The complaint must be filed within 180 days of the alleged violation or from the date the student should have known of the alleged violation. If there is an investigation, both the College and the student are notified in writing of the charges. Both parties are notified in writing of the findings of the investigation.

Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (Public Law 101-226)
This law requires schools to provide information to its students, faculty and employees on how to prevent drug and alcohol abuse.

Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act
This report discloses data on participation rates and financing of men’s and women’s sports in inter-collegiate athletic programs at coeducational schools. Students, prospective students and the public may request this report from the Director of Athletics.

FFEL/Direct Loan Deferments for Peace Corps or Volunteer Service
Loan deferments are available for students who join the Peace Corps or become involved with specific volunteer services. Information about these deferment options is available in the Financial Aid Office. (See Federal Education Loan Deferments in Financial Aid Section for more information).

Financial Assistance Availability
A complete list and description of all available federal, state, institutional and private need-based and non-need-based assistance is available in this Catalog and the Financial Aid Office.

Institutional Information
Information regarding Springfield College in Illinois policies and procedures can be found in this online catalog and in the Student Handbook. Specific questions should be directed to the appropriate office or the Dean of Student Affairs.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1990
This report discloses data on crimes committed on and off campus and campus safety policies and procedures. Annually, the report is made available to enrolled students and employees. Requests for a paper copy of this report by prospective students and employees should be directed to the Dean of Student Affairs Office.

College Promotional Photos
Springfield College in Illinois and its representatives, on occasion, take photographs for the College’s use in print and electronic publications. This serves as public notice of the College’s intent to do so and as a release to the College giving permission to use such images as it deems fit. If you should object to the use of your photograph, you have the right to withhold its release by contacting the Advancement Office at (217) 525-1420, Ext. 228.

Educational Records: Disciplinary and Counseling
Information from student disciplinary or counseling files is considered a confidential, educational record and is not available to unauthorized persons on campus. To comply with federal law, as well as for reason of confidentiality, disciplinary records/files may not be released to anyone off-campus unless there is legal compulsion or in cases where the safety of persons or property is involved. A student’s disciplinary record/file may only be reviewed by the student within the confines of the Springfield College campus and the guidelines designated by the appropriate college administrator. Only the student and authorized persons my have access to such records.

The College is not obligated under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (Buckley Amendment) to reproduce a student’s disciplinary records/files. The College is obligated to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the confidentiality of student educational records is maintained. Any questions concerning the student’s rights and responsibilities under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act should be referred to the Dean of
Student Affairs.

Student Right-to-Know Act
This report discloses graduation or completion rates and transfer-out rates for the general population of full-time, first-time degree seeking undergraduate students and for students who receive athletically-related student aid, broken down by race and gender within sports. (Clarification: Rates are computed based on two years as the normal completion time for an Associate Degree; a graduate is defined as a student who completes an Associate Degree in 150% of the normal completion time).

The information on completion, graduation rates and, if applicable, transfer-out rates is available to enrolled and prospective students upon request. Requests for this report should be directed to the Registrar’s Office.

The student athlete graduation rate information must be provided to potential student athletes, their parents, and their high school coaches and guidance counselors upon making an offer of athletic aid. Requests for this report should be directed to the Registrar’s Office.