Enhancing Data Privacy and Educational Record Management
The University of Iowa is committed to upholding the highest standards of data privacy and secure management of educational records. In line with this commitment, we are updating our FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) compliance standards.
Starting Feb. 1, 2024, all University of Iowa faculty, teaching assistants, and staff who may interact or work with students and/or student records will be required to complete FERPA training every three years.
Previously, FERPA training was a one-time requirement. However, given the rapid technological advancements affecting data access and privacy, this brief update (approximately 20 minutes every three years) will help employees stay current with best practices and federal requirements.
What is required?
Employees who haven’t completed the training within the last three years, or who are new to these requirements, will be notified on Feb. 1, 2024 that they must complete their FERPA training within 60 days. The deadline to complete the training is April 2, 2024.
What is FERPA?
FERPA stands for the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, a federal law that protects students' access to their educational records and restricts their dissemination without consent. Compliance with FERPA regulations is mandatory for all educational institutions receiving federal funding.
If you have completed training within the last three years, you will be required to retake it three years from your most recent completion date.
Why the update?
These changes are designed to better protect student data privacy and equip our employees with the latest knowledge and practices in handling educational records. The updated FERPA training requirements are essential for:
- Adapting to technological changes impacting data access and privacy.
- Maintaining high standards for student privacy amid increasing data availability.
- Ensuring the consistent, reliable, and secure handling of educational records.
- Keeping pace with potential legislative changes at the federal level.
- Reinforcing the University of Iowa's role as a leader in FERPA practice and data protection.
Support and resources
The UI FERPA team is available to assist with understanding and applying FERPA regulations, guidelines, and training requirements.
They also offer in-person and online training support to facilitate staff and faculty compliance.
Contact ui-ferpa@uiowa.edu if you have questions about completing FERPA training.
Key Dates to Remember
- February 1, 2024: Notification to employees required to complete the training.
- April 2, 2024: Training completion deadline.
- Ongoing: Regular notifications and reminders for continued compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
All University of Iowa employees who may interact with students and/or student records, including instructors, TAs, and staff.
- Completion of FERPA course (with a score of 80% or better) every three years during employment at the university (within 60 days of appointment for new employees).
- Instructors completing an Annual Certification Notice on Jan. 1 of each year.
Supervisors will be notified via email when employees do not complete the required FERPA training. Employees who are not up to date on their FERPA compliance may lose access to MAUI and ICON.