Disclosure of Educational Records

Generally, schools must have written permission from the eligible student in order to release any information from a student’s education record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions (34 CFR § 99.31):

• School officials with legitimate educational interest
• State and Federal Regulatory Agencies
• Other schools to which a student is transferring
• Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes
• Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student
• Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school
• Accrediting organizations
• To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena
• Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies or crises
• State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law

The University has designated certain types of information as “Directory Information,” which may be disclosed without a student’s consent. 

Directory Information

The University designates the following information as directory information. (Directory information is personally identifiable information that may be disclosed without the student’s consent):

• Student’s name
• Email address
• Program(s) of study
• Dates of attendance
• Course schedule and degree plan
• Degrees, certificates and awards granted including conferral date
• Honors or awards received
• Current enrollment status (i.e., active/inactive)
• Undergraduate year (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior)
• Participation in activities officially recognized by the University

Although directory information can be disclosed without student consent, the University is not required to do so. 

Non-Directory Information

Non-directory information is considered any information that is not listed as directory information. This information may not be released without the prior written consent of the current or former applicant or student.

The University will annually notify students of their rights under FERPA. Students may request nondisclosure of student directory information via a FERPA hold form, in writing, to the Office of the Registrar, National University, 9388 Lightwave Ave. San Diego, CA 92123. Failure to request nondisclosure of directory information may result in disclosure of one or more of the above-designated categories of directory information.

*Undergraduate Year - For federal reporting purposes, the year of progress in an undergraduate program is designated according to the total number of semester credits earned towards their bachelor’s degree, including units accepted in transfer (partial semester credits are rounded down):

• Freshman 0-24 semester credits
• Sophomore 25-48 semester credits
• Junior 49-72 semester credits
• Senior 73 or more semester credits