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About the FERPA Certification

In compliance with the FERPA law, all University employees are legally and ethically obligated to protect the confidentiality of student records. Our FERPA Certification ensures that you are familiar with the provisions of the law, and you are prepared for the day-to-day challenges of working with student information. Please remember:

The FERPA Certification is required for getting or maintaining access to SPIRE for Staff.

  • Current SPIRE for Staff users need to complete the FERPA Certification by October 10, 2006. If you cannot meet this deadline, your access to the next version of SPIRE will be suspended until you earn your certification.
  • SPIRE for Staff applicants must become FERPA certified as part of their application process, prior to getting access to the system.
  • Can't remember if you have access to SPIRE for Staff? Not clear whether you need to earn your FERPA Certification? Find out...

Your FERPA Certification does not expire. You will not have to retake the quiz for the next SPIRE upgrade, or if your SPIRE for Staff access changes.

Get FERPA Certified

Step One: Review the FERPA Tutorial

Our FERPA Tutorial translates the legal language into simple, easy-to-remember scenarios. The tutorial is available online: review it any time from the comfort of your office, then stop by our training lab for a half-hour quiz.

Step Two: Take the FERPA Quiz in the SPIRE Training Lab

To take the FERPA Quiz, check our open-lab schedule, then stop by the SPIRE Training & Support Offices (A249 Lederle GRC Lowrise) at a time that is convenient for you. A trainer will assist you with the logistics of the quiz. This interactive quiz should not take longer than half an hour to complete.

FERPA Resources

Information Security Tips

Need more practical advice for protecting students’ information? Our tips provide a few suggestions for securing your computing and work environment.

About FERPA: Guidelines for Disclosing Student Information

The Academic Regulations handbook publishes the University's official guidelines for releasing student information.

Last revised September 29, 2006