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FERPA for Faculty – DOs and DON’Ts
- DO post grades using codes known only to the instructor and student, such as a 4 digit number.
- DO post grades in a random order so that students are unable to identify other students’ grades.
- DO return papers personally to the student by either handing them back in class or asking students to see you during office hours.
- DO forward such requests to Enrollment Services for review and response.
- DO lock your computer using a password-protected screen saver before stepping away from your desk.
- DO refer parent requests to Enrollment Services for review and response.
- DO keep all grade information confidential by only discussing it with the student.
- DO communicate directly with the student to ensure confidentiality. If an electronic means of notification is necessary, use the Blackboard grading tools.
- DO ensure that no confidential student information appears on a circulated roster by listing the student names only.
- DON’T post grades using student N numbers, SSNs, or anything else that can identify the student.
- DON’T post grade lists in alphabetical order.
- DON’T leave papers or exams outside your office door or anywhere else where the student must look through the stack for his/her own work.
- DON’T provide anyone with a list of students enrolled in your classes for commercial purpose.
- DON’T leave your computer unattended while signed on.
- DON’T give out any student information to parents.
- DON’T discuss students’ grades in class, such as identifying who received an A on the last test.
- DON’T notify students of grades via email.
- DON’T circulate attendance rosters with student N numbers, SSNs, or grades.