Access to Student information
Student rights concerning access to educational records are spelled out in Federal Public Law 98-380 as amended by Public Law 93-568 and in regulations published by the Department of Education. The law and regulations require educational institutions to:
- Provide students the opportunity to inspect their educational records. Contact the Registration Office.
- Provide students the opportunity to challenge through a hearing the content of their educational records if it is believed that they contain information that is inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the right of privacy. Grades are not subject to challenge.
- Limit disclosure of information from the student’s record to those who have the student’s written consent or to officials specifically permitted within the law, such as college officials and – under certain conditions – local, state and federal officials.
Students who wish to grant parental access to their educational records may do so by submitting an Access to Student Information Consent Form to the Records and Registration Office. Access is limited to the following elements of the student’s educational record: schedule of classes, transcript of final grades, and midterm progress report. Access is given only at the Records and Registration Office and only when the person presents photo identification. Under no circumstances will information be disclosed over the phone.
Iowa Western Community College does not publish a student directory. The College may, upon request, provide the following information:
- student’s name
- address (including e-mail)
- telephone number
- date and place of birth
- major field of study
- credit hour status
- participation in officially recognized activities
- athletic team member’s weight and height
- dates of attendance
- degrees
- awards received
- most recent previous educational institution attended
Students who object to the disclosure of any of the above information may notify the Records and Registration Office in writing.
Students may obtain a copy of the College’s policies on access to student information from the Dean of Enrollment Services.
Students may file a complaint with the Department of Education if they believe that their rights under the law have been violated and if efforts to resolve the situation through Iowa Western Community College appeal channels have proven unsatisfactory.
Student Online Services (S.O.S.)
SOS is an interface to student education records.