Academic Records

Student Records

The Office of the Registrar maintains student registration for classes, degree audit information, and grades. Students may change their academic majors and advisors and order transcripts through this office.

Privacy is maintained with respect to student records. Unless a student gives written permission, access to these records is limited to university faculty and staff on a need-to-know basis. Unless a student directs otherwise in writing, transcripts may be released to other educational institutions to which a student may be applying without the student’s consent.

FERPA

The university complies fully with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) as amended. Students who believe they have been treated unfairly in relation to their student records may file a complaint with the Secretary of Education concerning alleged violations of FERPA by the university or its personnel.

The law provides students the right to inspect and review information contained in their education records, to challenge the contents of their education records, to have a hearing if the outcome of the challenge is unsatisfactory, and to submit explanatory statements for inclusion in their files if they feel the hearing panel's decisions are unacceptable. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.

Directory Information

At its discretion, George Fox University may provide "directory information" in accordance with the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Students may restrict the release of their directory information to third parties by annually submitting a signed and dated statement available from the registrar's office within the first two weeks of the semester. Otherwise, all photographs and information listed on the web page linked above are considered as "directory information" according to federal law. Non-directory information, notably grade records, are released to third parties only on written request of the student, or otherwise required by law (e.g., subpoena).

Review of Student Records

The registrar's office at George Fox University has been designated by the institution to coordinate the inspection and review of procedures for student education records, which include admission, personal and academic files, and academic, cooperative education, disciplinary records, and placement records. Students wishing to review their education records must give a written request to the registrar listing the item or items of interest. Only records covered in the act are made available within 45 days of the request.

Education records do not include student health records, employment records, alumni records, or records of instructional, administrative, and educational personnel that are the sole possession of the maker and are not accessible or revealed to any individual except a temporary substitute. Health records, however, may be reviewed by physicians of the student's choosing.

Students may not inspect and review the following as outlined by the act: financial information submitted by their parents; confidential letters and recommendations associated with admission, employment or job placement, or honors to which they have waived their rights of inspection and review; or education records containing information about more than one student, in which case the institution permits access only to that part of the record that pertains to the inquiring student.

Academic Appeal Procedure

Certain criteria for appealing decisions made by a professor or committee are presented elsewhere throughout this handbook. In all other situations for which a formal appeal process is not specified, an appeal should first be directed to the department chairperson or program director. If the student is not satisfied with the decision given by the chairperson or director, he or she may then appeal to the school dean by filing a written statement of particulars. The dean will confer with the individuals involved and seek a satisfactory resolution of the problem. If the problem cannot be solved in this manner, the dean may make a decision on the matter, or, at his or her discretion, may refer it to the university provost for a ruling.

Please see the following policies for more information about Student Records