SUNY Orange

Student Records/Confidentiality

All student records are maintained and made available in accordance with the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. With some exceptions, all student records are available for review upon request by that student, and the right to challenge the content is provided. No records are released to third persons except as provided in the Act. Further information is available from the Office of Records and Registration, in the SUNY Orange Rights and Responsibilities Booklet, or on the website at FERPA.

FERPA & the CCHS Program

SUNY Orange Student Release Form Authorizing Release of Grades

According to FERPA, the College is prohibited from releasing a student's grade to any third party without the student's written permission. SUNY Orange CCHS students who want their College grades reported to their high school and/or Orange-Ulster BOCES New Vision for computation toward high school graduation credit, or for any other purpose, must sign a SUNY Orange Student Release Form authorizing SUNY Orange to release their college grades to their high school and, if appropriate, Orange-Ulster BOCES New Vision. This form will be completed by the student, in duplicate, with the registration materials.  One copy is kept on file at the College and the other at the high school or with Orange-Ulster BOCES New Vision. See CCHS Forms.

Release of Academic Information to Parents or Guardians

FERPA, as stated above, dictates the terms of release of student information regarding a SUNY Orange CCHS course to any third party, including the student’s parents or guardians, even if the student is a minor. SUNY Orange CCHS students must sign the SUNY Orange Student Release Form and specifically grant release of their grades and academic information to their parents/guardians. Then the parent may have access to grades, attendance and other academic information as requested. However, if the parent/guardian wishes to discuss any of the academic information, the student must be present during the discussion (see below). 

Student/Instructor Conferences & disclosure of academic information

FERPA also dictates the nature of communication at student/instructor conferences at the college level. Student/instructor conferences are confidential and are between the instructor and the student. A parent/guardian, principal, guidance counselor or any other person may be present with the permission of the student, either verbally or through the signed SUNY Orange Students Release Form indicating those present - high school and/or parent/guardian. Attendees may facilitate discussion between the student and instructor but may not be active participants in the conference. They may, for example, ask clarifying questions. The instructor may also have a representative present who may facilitate discussion.

Finally, the instructor must have permission of a student to contact and relay a student’s academic progress, attendance, grades, or any information relevant to a SUNY Orange CCHS course, with a parent/guardian, principal, guidance counselor, or any third party. Any questions concerning FERPA regulations should be directed to the SUNY Orange CCHS Program Coordinator.