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®
ProShred just came to my house and shredded every document I've been collecting since 1994. Extremely friendly, efficient, and reasonably priced! I will definitely be... read moreProShred just came to my house and shredded every document I've been collecting since 1994. Extremely friendly, efficient, and reasonably priced! I will definitely be using this service again. Highly recommend! read less
Natalie10/17/2018Been using their services for over a year and am always impressed by the level of professionalism exhibited. Always prompt, always on-time, always courteous, and... read moreBeen using their services for over a year and am always impressed by the level of professionalism exhibited. Always prompt, always on-time, always courteous, and always fair in pricing. What more can one ask in a service? They are simply the best shredding company one can use - bar none! read less
John G Kaleel12/05/2018Pro Shred was awesome. Our service tech, Robert, was fantastic. He was professional and did a wonderful quick job. We have used... read morePro Shred was awesome. Our service tech, Robert, was fantastic. He was professional and did a wonderful quick job. We have used this company several times and would highly recommend them. read less
Trish10/03/2018Great place to have your things shredded and destroy old hard drives and computers. Beware of the receptionist inside. Don't take... read moreGreat place to have your things shredded and destroy old hard drives and computers. Beware of the receptionist inside. Don't take more than one complimentary life saver candy, she will call you out and shame you! I found out the hard way by taking TWO! read less
Maria Pudliner9/05/2019Proshred is a fabulous and accommodating company! They go "above and beyond" to ensure customer satisfaction. Their staff is very friendly and guarantee your satisfaction... read moreProshred is a fabulous and accommodating company! They go "above and beyond" to ensure customer satisfaction. Their staff is very friendly and guarantee your satisfaction with their services. I definitively recommend Proshred. read less
Connie Shifflet12/05/2018First time using this service on a walk-in Saturday event. Convenient, fast, easy service and the staff was great! Prices reasonable compared to the amount... read moreFirst time using this service on a walk-in Saturday event. Convenient, fast, easy service and the staff was great! Prices reasonable compared to the amount of personal shredders I have gone through. I will be back again! read less
Shaunese Henry4/05/2019Pro Shred is amazing!! I cannot say enough about this company. Start up is simple and hassle free. They are willing to work out... read morePro Shred is amazing!! I cannot say enough about this company. Start up is simple and hassle free. They are willing to work out any changes with total ease. The pricing is fantastic and the crew is always friendly.I've used Pro Shred at several companies, and they do not disappoint! Thank you!!MARIA HULLFinancial ManagerSatko Oral Surgery read less
Satko Oral Surgery Oral surgery12/05/2018We visited ProShred in Tinley Park. We had about 97 lbs. of paper to shred. We called ahead to be sure we could just... read moreWe visited ProShred in Tinley Park. We had about 97 lbs. of paper to shred. We called ahead to be sure we could just walk in. The tech was friendly, service was efficicient, and the price was very reasonable. Definitely recommend! read less
joann p11/05/2019