Student Privacy Rights and Procedures

Students at Savannah Technical College are assured that their academic records are recorded accurately and retained in confidence. Students are informed of their right to view and assess the accuracy of their records. Procedures relating to student records have been formulated in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as amended.

1. A current or former student may submit a request to inspect his or her student records.  Request to Inspect and Review Records form is available in the Registrar’s Office and on the STC website. A record inspection is scheduled with the Registrar or designee after a completed request form has been received. A student may appeal record information in which he or she deems as inaccurate. The appeal process is as follows:
   1. Student writes a request to amend information to the Registrar clearly identifying the inaccurate part of the record and why it is incorrect;
   2. Registrar or designee will investigate and reach a decision and notify the student within a three (3) day period.
   3. If the request to amend is denied, the Registrar will advise student of the right to a hearing and the procedures to follow.
   4. Student must submit a second appeal hearing form to the Vice President for Student Affairs or the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
   5. The Vice President for Student Affairs or the Vice President for Academic Affairs will appoint a Hearing Officer or Committee to act upon the request.
   6. The Hearing Officer or Committee will notify the student of date, place and time of hearing.
   7. The student will be given the opportunity to present evidence relevant to the record information in question.
   8. If the Hearing Officer/Committee supports the student’s appeal, records will be amended accordingly.
   9. If the Hearing Officer or Committee denies student’s appeal, records will remain as is and the student may write a statement giving reasons for disagreeing with the decision. This written response will become a part of the student’s record and will be submitted any time the contested information is requested.
2. Any student who objects to the release of directory information may complete and sign an Objection to Release form available in the Registrar’s Office and on the website. Once we receive the completed request, we will activate a confidentially code in our BANNER electronic data system. This will restrict the release of the following directory information:
   • Name
   • Program of Study (Major)
   • Dates of Attendance
   • Certificates, Degrees, and/or Diplomas Awarded
   • Honors and Rewards Received
   • Participation in Student Organizations or Activities
3. The institution may disclose personally identifiable information without the consent of the student under limited circumstances. Some of those circumstances are:
   1. Authorized representatives of the following government entities, if the disclosure is in connection with an audit or evaluation of federal or state supported education programs, or for the enforcement of or compliance with federal legal requirements that relate to those programs, may have access to records:
      1. Comptroller General of the United States
      2. Secretary of Education
      3. U.S. Attorney General (for law enforcement purposes only)
      4. State and local authorities
   2. School Officials determined by the institution to have a legitimate educational interest.
   3. Accrediting organizations.
   4. In compliance to a judicial order or subpoena.
   5. Appropriately documented parents of a dependent student.
   6. In connection with an emergency, appropriate persons if the knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or others.
4. Students will be notified annually of their right to access records and restrict directory information.