Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
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?
In order 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.
What People Are Saying About PROSHRED®
Pro Shred's service and delivery is the best! We highly recommend them to anyone or any business. Joe, Patti and their drivers are professional and... read morePro Shred's service and delivery is the best! We highly recommend them to anyone or any business. Joe, Patti and their drivers are professional and great to deal with! read less
Vincent Esparza4/24/2019We have been using proshred for six months now. The setup was fast and well communicated. The pricing is great and the service team is... read moreWe have been using proshred for six months now. The setup was fast and well communicated. The pricing is great and the service team is respectful of our doctor office environment. We couldn't be happier. read less
Bethesda Pediatrics10/28/2019Great customer service. Thank you to Joe Jr and Thomas. When our usual company (Shred-it) who are at our complex weekly said they... read moreGreat customer service. Thank you to Joe Jr and Thomas. When our usual company (Shred-it) who are at our complex weekly said they didn't have time to take 9 file boxes, ProShred came in the same day. They have a new customer and Shred-it just lost one. read less
Gail M Petrucci3/27/2019I cannot provide enough positive feedback regarding ProShred Arizona. Patty, Joe, and the entire Proshred Arizona team consistently exceeding expectations. Proshred Arizona also... read moreI cannot provide enough positive feedback regarding ProShred Arizona. Patty, Joe, and the entire Proshred Arizona team consistently exceeding expectations. Proshred Arizona also regularly supports community causes. I highly recommend working with Proshred Arizona for all of your document destruction and shredding needs. read less
Jason2/04/2014They offer the best service! Shane was the guy that came out to our house and was quick and even stayed a little longer so... read moreThey offer the best service! Shane was the guy that came out to our house and was quick and even stayed a little longer so that my mom could go through a last few documents. If I have anything that needs to be shredding in AZ I will call these guys!! Thank you for everything! read less
Gabriel Gonzales71/14/2019This company is a top notch company who goes above and beyond for their clients. Not only do they have the highest certifications, but... read moreThis company is a top notch company who goes above and beyond for their clients. Not only do they have the highest certifications, but their customer service is ON POINT and their pricing is phenomenal!!! I love that they shred on site and record everything, for peace of mind on important docs, with social security numbers and other sensitive info!!! Thanks pro-shred for doing a great job!!!! read less
Kimberly MacDonald8/30/2018I needed to get a shredding job done and in a timely manner. A real person answered the phone, got me set up to use... read moreI needed to get a shredding job done and in a timely manner. A real person answered the phone, got me set up to use their drop off service the same day and when I got there, they took were quick, friendly and efficient. No wait time and an annoying job done easily! read less
Matthew J. Taylor1/21/2019