·        All paper records are secured in each of the Financial Aid Specialists’ Office. Offices are locked every time the Specialist leaves their office, even for a short time.

·        All electronic records – network & local copies – are password protected. No records can be accessed without the appropriate login ID’s & passwords.

·        We do not keep copies of your identification in our files (driver’s license, Social Security card).

·        Information release forms are available online or in the Financial Aid Office for you to consent to release records to specific individuals, agencies, or companies.

·        FYI, common access is authorized for: the student; Financial aid staff; authorized FCTC staff; authorized outside parties; US Dept. of Education; auditors; law enforcement (Federal, State, local) with appropriate subpoena and after the student is notified; other educational institutions as needed to award financial aid

·        Examples of those who do NOT have access to your records: unauthorized college staff; parents (unless the student authorizes access); media; State agencies (except for the State Financial Aid Office); law enforcement without proper authorization

·        The Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) is available here: http://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html

·        A general overview of FERPA for students is available here: http://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/students.html