NON-DIRECTORY INFORMATION

In compliance with FERPA guidelines, a student must provide self-identifying information in a signed and dated written request to the Cuesta College Records Office for the release of non-directory information. The receipt of a written request by fax satisfies this requirement.

ELECTRONIC FILES

FERPA does not differentiate between the medium of storage or the method of transmission. There is no legal difference between the level of protection afforded to physical files over those that are stored or transmitted electronically or in any other form.

ACCESS TO RECORDS

Any currently enrolled or former student has a right of access to any and all records relating to the student and maintained by the college. Individuals who applied to the school but did not attend are not covered by FERPA. The full policy and procedure for review of a student's records are available from the director of admissions and records.

Students 18 years of age or older may examine all records in their name. These records are not available to any other person other than appropriate college personnel, unless released by the student. Legal exception is provided to the above regulation, and these exceptions will be explained to any person who requests the information from the director of admissions and records.

Each student has a right to challenge any record which is kept by the college. The director of admissions and records is responsible for all student records. Challenge of records, if any, shall be in writing to the director. A decision will be made within five school days to uphold or reject the challenge of any record. When the challenge of a record is upheld, that record shall be amended. If the challenge of a record is denied, the student may appeal this decision to the college's governing board (Board of Trustees).

The specific regulations governing the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act are available in the office of the director of admissions and records.

CUESTA COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE RELEASE OF INFORMATION GUIDELINES

In order to release information pertaining to a student's financial aid file, the student must sign an Authorization to Release Information form and submit it to our office. If you are a student who would like the Financial Aid Office to be able to communicate with your parent(s)/spouse/significant other, select this link to download our Authorization to Release Information form.