As the official repositories for student education records, the Office of the University Registrar (OUR) and the divisional registrar/records offices are committed to safeguarding student information and maintaining compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (20 U.S.C. ยง 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) (FERPA).
What is FERPA?
FERPA is a federal law regarding the privacy of student education records and the related requirements of educational institutions, primarily in the areas of education record access and information release.
Definitions and Terms
FERPA includes definitions for several key terms used throughout the regulations; other terms are operationally defined by JHU.
Directory Information
Under the terms of FERPA, directory information is information contained in the education records of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. FERPA provides students with the right to restrict the release of their directory information.
FERPA Information for JHU Researchers
The OUR conducts an ancillary review process of human subjects studies involving students/student education records that are submitted to the Homewood Institutional Review Board (HIRB).
FERPA Requests
The OUR facilitates student FERPA requests and authorizations at JHU.
FERPA Resources and FAQs
Click the button below to access FERPA-related resources for JHU students, faculty and staff.
FERPA Training
Web-based FERPA training is available to all JHU faculty and staff. Click the button below to learn more about JHU’s online training module and other FERPA training opportunities.
Beyond FERPA
Data privacy is everyone’s business! University employees have a crucial role to play in protecting the privacy of student data and the other sensitive information handled as part of university business. When handling student data and other sensitive information, always consider privacy implications.