Does AU Online follow any privacy policies regarding my Educational Records?

Yes. As a student, you have certain rights regarding your education records under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). You can always find out more information regarding FERPA here. 

The rights include: 

  • The right to access: You can inspect and review your education records within 45 days of submitting a request to the registrar's office. Write a letter to the registrar, identifying the records you want to see, and they'll arrange for you to access them. If the registrar doesn't maintain the records, they'll let you know who to contact. 
  • The right to correction: If you believe a record is inaccurate or misleading, you can ask the University to amend it. Write to the University official responsible for the record, clearly identifying the part you want changed, and explain why it's inaccurate or misleading. If they refuse to amend the record, they'll notify you of your right to a hearing. 
  • The right to consent: Your personally identifiable information in your education records can't be disclosed without your consent, except in certain circumstances. Disclosures can be made to school officials with legitimate educational interests, including administrative, supervisory, academic, support staff, law enforcement, and health staff. This also includes persons/companies contracted with the University such as attorneys, auditors, or collection agents. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if they require access to the record to fulfill their professional responsibility. 
  • The right to complain: If you believe the University has failed to comply with FERPA requirements, you have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education. 

The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-4605 

Note: The information listed below will be considered as public directory information, which can be released without obtaining student consent. However, if a student wishes to restrict the release of this information, they can do so by notifying the registrar in writing every year. Public directory information includes: 

  • Name 
  • Address 
  • Phone number 
  • E-mail address 
  • Photograph 
  • Program of study 
  • Enrollment Status 
  • Grade Level 
  • Honors and Awards 
  • Degree Awarded 
  • Dates of Attendance 
  • Participation in officially recognized activities & sports