Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

Among the Education Amendments Act of 1974 was one amendment sponsored by Senator James Buckley of New York entitled the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which became effective in November 1974.

In summary, the Buckley Amendment governs access to, and release of, records maintained by certain educational institutions and agencies. Educational records may not be released to third parties (with some exceptions) without the student's prior, written permission. Eligible Mount Saint Mary College students who have been in attendance have access to their educational records.

Educational records are defined broadly to include records, files, documents and other materials that contain information directly related to a student and are maintained by this college or by a person acting for this college.

The following educational records are maintained by the Registrar as indicated:

  • Academic Probation and Dismissal Letters

  • Acceptance Letters

  • Admissions Application

  • Advanced Placement Reports

  • Appeal and Re-admission Letters\

  • College-level Exams Reports

  • Computer Data Form

  • Grade Changes

  • High School Transcript

  • Incomplete Grade Requests

  • Independent Study Requests

  • Internship Requests

  • Pass/Fail Requests for Grades

  • Permission Forms for Study Outside Mount Saint Mary College

  • Proficiency Examination Results

  • Secondary School Reports

  • Student Transcript

  • Student Directories

  • Transfer Evaluations and Supporting Transcripts

  • Veterans' Administration Forms

  • Withdrawal Forms

The Office of Student Affairs maintains medical records and disciplinary records.

The Career Center maintains student and alumni placement files.

Upon request, a student may obtain an unofficial transcript of courses. No official transcript is issued to proper authority without the expressed, written consent of the student. A student's academic advisor may request an evaluation of transfer credits for advisory purposes.

Reports of proficiency examinations, advanced placement tests, and college level examinations are also evaluated by the division chair.