MERP may release the following directory information
upon request: student's name; local address (including email); telephone
numbers; likeness used in MERP publications including photographs; names
and address of emergency contact; dates of attendance; school or division of
enrollment; enrollment status; field of study; credit hours earned; degrees
earned; honors received; participation in MERP recognized organizations
and activities (including intercollegiate athletics); and height; weight; and
age of members of athletic teams.
Any student who does not wish directory information released must file
written notice to this effect in the Office of the Student Services.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act affords students certain rights
with respect to their education records. These rights include:
1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education
record within 45 days of the day MERP receives a request for
access. Students should submit to MERP Director of Student Services, Dean, Head of
the academic department, or other appropriate official written requests that
identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. MERP official will
make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where
the records may be inspected. If MERP official to whom the
request was submitted does not maintain the records, that official shall advise
the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s
education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading.
Students may ask MERP to amend a record that they believe is
inaccurate or misleading. They should write MERP official
responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want
to be changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If
MERP decides not to amend the record as requested by the student,
MERP will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of
his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional
information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student
when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally
identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except
to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One
exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school
officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a
person employed by MERP in an administrative, supervisory,
academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit
personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom MERP has
contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person
serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official
committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee or assisting another
school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a
legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education
record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon
request, MERP discloses education records without consent to
officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of
Education concerning alleged failures by MERP to comply with the
requirements of FERPA. Complaints should be filed in writing to the
following address:
Family Policy Compliance Office