2021-2023 Catalog

Contents
Catalog Links

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Northwest Indian College complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 concerning the information that becomes a part of a student’s permanent educational record and governing the condition of its disclosure. Under FERPA, students are protected against improper disclosure of their records. This federal law affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records. They are as follows:

  • The right to inspect and review the student’s educational records within 45 days of the day the college receives a request for access.
  • The right to request the amendment of the student’s educational records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading.
  • The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s educational records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. NWIC’s policy is to release only directory information including name, address, phone number, dates of enrollment, field of study, and degrees/certificates earned, honors, participation in officially recognized college activities and sports (including photographs), height and weight of members of athletic teams. If the college does not receive prior written notice from the student, directory information may be released at any time. A student who does not want his or her directory information released may request in writing, non-disclosure of directory information. All other information may be released only upon written consent form the student.
  • The right to file a complaint with the US Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Northwest Indian College to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
  • The right to file a complaint with the College’s Accreditor.
  • The right to review documents specific to the accreditation and Tribal charter approval.

Directory Information

Northwest Indian College will release to outside agencies or persons, upon their request, the following directory information:

  • Student name;
  • E-mail address;
  • Phone number;
  • Program of study;
  • Degrees or certificates conferred;
  • Academic achievements (Dean’s and President’s List);
  • Participation in commencement;
  • Dates of enrollment;
  • Achievements in campus organizations.

Release of Student Information can occur two different ways: first, by Directory Information that is routinely available to the public; second, information that the student wants or needs to have released to parents or third parties.

A student who does not want his or her directory information released may by completing a non-disclosure of directory information form. All other information may be released only upon written consent from the student. All students have the right to file a complaint with the US Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Northwest Indian College to comply with the requirement of FERPA.

Students may release their academic information to any individual through a FERPA waiver form available on JICS.

Academic Information other than Directory Information

Regarding all student information other than directory information listed above, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 prohibits disclosure of this academic information to third parties without prior written consent of the student using a FERPA Release of Information form available in the Office of Admissions.

Students may request a copy of their educational record by contacting Enrollment Services for more information.

Social Security Number

A student’s social security number is confidential and will not be used for identification except for the purposes of employment, financial aid, transcripts, assessment/accountability research, or as otherwise required by state or federal law. In compliance with Public Law 93-579 and SB 5509, disclosure of a social security number is optional. If a student chooses not to provide it, he/she will not be denied any rights or benefits as a student. Students must provide their social security number to the admissions office for financial aid, and for the HOPE and Lifetime Learning Tax Credit.

Student Identification Number

All students will be assigned a student identification number to be used to identify educational records. Students use this number to register for classes, to order transcripts, etc. The student identification number is considered confidential and will not be released without written authorization signed by the student.