The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) permits communication between appropriate faculty and staff about a student’s well-being or concerning behavior in a health or safety concern. Observations of a student’s conduct or statements made by a student are not FERPA protected. Please share such information with appropriate parties on campus, such as the Dean of Students Office, if you have a health or safety concern to seek advice on how to handle the situation and so that the staff may offer resources and support. In general, staff in the Dean of Students office have a “need to know basis” for records relating to students brought to their attention or when they are managing their cases. This would including academic performance, attendance, behavior in class, etc. These things can, and likely should be, disclosed.
Using Email as a Form of Communication
Some faculty and staff wonder if email is an acceptable form of communication with our office. In short, the answer is yes. However, we do ask that you not put the student's ID number in the subject line of an email. Of course, you may also choose to share the information via phone or in person, if you choose.
Where to Learn More
You can learn more about Chapman's policy related to FERPA on the Registrar's website.