Proposed changes to current FERPA language

The “discussion draft” of a new bill was recently released to Congress calling for a review and possible amendments to the current FERPA language. Essentially, the bill would clarify the definition of a student’s “educational record” and ban the use of such information for marketing or advertising. It would also impose new contracting requirements on states and local education agencies and allow for fines of up to $500,000 to be levied on educational service providers that improverly share student information. The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), along with members of the University of Minnesota and other educational associations, are providing feedback on the proposed changes. We do not anticipate that any changes will be approved through Congress this session, but we will keep you informed if we hear of any developments.