Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
What is FERPA?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC §1232g, 34 CFR Part 99) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.
Who Does FERPA affect?
FERPA applies to all U.S. educational agencies and institutions that receive funding under any program administered by the U.S. Department of Education.
What does FERPA have to do with document destruction?
FERPA regulates access to and disclosure of student education records. It gives students and parents the right to inspect and review the students’ education records maintained at the institution, and request corrections if they believe the records are inaccurate or misleading.
Another important FERPA obligation is that the educational institution must obtain a signed and dated written consent from a parent or student before personally identifiable information is disclosed unless certain limited exceptions apply. The educational institution must keep a record of each disclosure of personally identifiable information from student records.
These obligations are set out in 34 CFR §99.30 through §99.39. Improper disposal of student records may constitute an unauthorized disclosure under FERPA.
What do Schools and colleges have to do to comply with FERPA?
To avoid inadvertent unauthorized disclosures, educational institutions should ensure that student records are disposed of securely.
If an educational institution does not comply with FERPA, 34 CFR §99.67(a) states that the government may:
- Withhold further payments under any applicable program;
- Issue a complaint to compel compliance through a cease-and-desist order; or
- Terminate eligibility to receive funding under any applicable program.
PROSHRED’s® role in compliance
Improper disposal of a student’s records may constitute an unauthorized disclosure under FERPA. PROSHRED®‘s secure shredding procedures assure educational institutions that student records are destroyed in a secure manner. PROSHRED® provides a Certificate of Destruction after every shred – an educational institution’s record of the secure destruction process. For more information visit: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
What Are People Saying About PROSHRED®
Great service. Always been on time and met my needs. Flexible in terms of locations as well.
Carter R12/05/2014ProShred was great! Very prompt and very affordable! Harold was very nice and helped in so many ways! Would definitely recommend them and use... read moreProShred was great! Very prompt and very affordable! Harold was very nice and helped in so many ways! Would definitely recommend them and use them again! Thanks guys!!! read less
Craig3/03/2017Thank you Proshred for an amazing service this morning. Scotty and Ryan we're pleasant, professional and fast! They made the experience enjoyable at... read moreThank you Proshred for an amazing service this morning. Scotty and Ryan we're pleasant, professional and fast! They made the experience enjoyable at an emotional time. Mary in the office was extremely gracious and helpful, as well. Thank you all for being a local business with integrity and care. read less
Debz6/15/2018Such a great service! Cost effective and efficient. Would recommend to any business who is looking to protect their/their clients data.
Brian6/18/2015The team is always friendly and efficient.
Carol McGury6/05/2019Our Proshred pickups are always on time and they are very friendly. We have a container in the basement and our guy never complains... read moreOur Proshred pickups are always on time and they are very friendly. We have a container in the basement and our guy never complains about having to walk up and down the flights of stairs! :) read less
Kristen Dixon12/05/2016Excellent service at great rates! Would definitely use this company again.
Penni1/09/2015PROSHRED is perfect for our small business. Excellent service. Very affordable. Friendly Staff. We highly recommend them.
Wendy10/30/2017Pro-Shred is the best thing since sliced bread, and a must for any work-from-home professional. Stop wasting time and money on those forever-jamming... read morePro-Shred is the best thing since sliced bread, and a must for any work-from-home professional. Stop wasting time and money on those forever-jamming dusty and noisy paper shredders. Let Proshred deal with all. read less
Aaron5/13/2017Proshred is the most trusted, reliable and secure document shredding company. I wouldn't work with any other company, although some have tried to get my... read moreProshred is the most trusted, reliable and secure document shredding company. I wouldn't work with any other company, although some have tried to get my business. The employees are personable and efficient. Never a problem in over 5 years of working with them. Thank you for your service. read less
Michele Zajac12/05/2014The woman who helped me was great and fun to talk with while I watched my voluminous piles of papers being shredded. She carefully looked... read moreThe woman who helped me was great and fun to talk with while I watched my voluminous piles of papers being shredded. She carefully looked in to make sure everything was shredded and redid a few things that were not. The price was great and I really like the new Tinley Park location. read less
Mary Schwartz12/05/2016Had to use them for my company. They were reliable and trustworthy shredding company.
Candee Sheley12/05/2016ProShred is a great company to work with! They are very helpful and the people working there are nice people. We have been... read moreProShred is a great company to work with! They are very helpful and the people working there are nice people. We have been a customer for several years and they have never disappointed us. Give them the opportunity to help you!Dawn NowakQuestcor read less
Dawn Nowak12/05/2014This is a great service for our Company to have. Drivers are polite, professional, and always on time. Affordable option for security and environmental issues.
Denise O'Neill12/05/2014Always courteous, very flexible. Employees are always in a great mood and respectful.
Renae Hernandez12/05/2016
