Information Release & the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Policy

Drury University strictly adheres to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). FERPA (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student records. FERPA rights transfer from the parent to the student when the student reaches the age of 18 or attends a postsecondary institution. These rights include:

• Students have the right to inspect and review their education record within 45 days of the request. The student must submit a written request to the University Registrar that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The University Registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
• Students have the right to request, in writing, that Drury University correct records which they believe to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. If Drury University decides not to amend the record as requested, the student will be notified in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing. After the hearing, if Drury University still decides not to amend the record, the student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth their view about the contested information.
• The right to provide written consent before Drury University discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent under the following conditions (34 CFR § 99.31):
  • School officials with legitimate educational interest;
  • Other schools to which a student is transferring;
  • Specified officials for audit or equivalent purposes;
  • Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;
  • Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;
  • Accrediting organizations;
  • To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
  • Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and
  • State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.
• The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Drury University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. Complaints should be submitted to:

Student Privacy Policy Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington DC 20202-5920
(800) 872-5327

Drury University may disclose, without consent, “directory” information.  The following information is considered directory information: (1) name, (2) address, including e-mail address, (3) telephone number, (4) date and place of birth, (5) major field of study, (6) part-time/full-time enrollment status, (7) participation in officially recognized activities in sports, (8) weight and height of members of athletic teams, (9) dates of attendance (including matriculation and withdrawal dates), (10) academic classification by year, (11) prospective degrees, degrees awarded, and awards received, (12) the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, and (13) student’s photograph. Indications of religious preference along with names, addresses and telephone number of student’s listing in the information are provided to the University Chaplain.

It is often the student’s wish that information be released to parents or other designated officials who may seek information from Drury University. All students are provided with an opportunity to submit an Information Release form online allowing them to designate the names of individuals to whom information may be released. This release is operable for the time of the student’s enrollment or until such time as the student revokes access. 

To access the Information Release form: 

Step 1: Go to MyDrury.
Step 2: Enter your Username and Password and click Login.
Step 3: Click on the Student Tab.
Step 4: Click on Information Release (links located on the left side of the page).

Students may revoke previously granted access to information, or request the school not disclose directory information by submitting a request through the same form.

Students are notified annually of their rights under FERPA via the student handbook, the academic catalog, and online.

If you have any questions or inquiries about FERPA, please contact:

University Registrar
(417) 873-7211
reg@drury.edu