Warren Stiles

When considering a request for releasing information about a student, it is better to be cautious and inquire further if this is allowed by FERPA and /or the institution.

Equal access or ease of access does not just apply to students but also to guests and parents on campus. 

The institution has flexibility in giving accomodations as long as the goal of equal access to educational opportunities is achieved. Students are responsible for providing documentation and informing the school of their need for accomodations due to disability.

Educational records should be protected with locked rooms and locked files, password and virus protection for digital files, and employees only permitted access to information in their  particular area, such as financial aid. New employees should be trained and expected to abide by high ethical standards.

Proper procedures ae needed to make sure a requester of student information is who they say they are and has a valid right to the information.

If a school employee has an indication that a violent act is about to occur, steps should be taken to separate the two parties or re-direct their attention or call authorities for help, if it is safe for the employee to do so.

VAWA rules and jurisdiction can differ from Title IX policy . When in doubt, apply the more stringent of the two.   

Once sexual violence is reported, the school must protect the complainant by taking interim steps, even before an investigation is initiated.