Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Cochise College shall not permit, without the written consent of the student, the disclosure of information from educational records—or personally identifiable information contained therein—other than directory information, to any individual, agency, or organization other than in specific situations as outlined by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, its amendments and the final rule of the U.S. Department of Education. Students may withhold disclosure of any directory information by submitting written notification to the Admissions Office prior to the first day of classes each semester. Failure on the part of any student to specifically request the withholding of directory information indicates individual approval for disclosure. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by Cochise College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement personnel and health staff); or a person or company with whom Cochise College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, collection agent, or official of the National Student Clearinghouse).

Cochise College designates the following items as directory information: student name, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received and most recent previous school attended. The college may disclose any of those items without prior written consent, unless notified in writing to the contrary by the student in advance of any request.