Student Right to Know

Student Right to Know Act Disclosures

The Student Right to Know Act, and the Campus Security Act, require all colleges and universities participating in federal Student Aid Programs to disclose certain institution information, including graduation rates, campus security policies and campus crime statistics.

Atlanta Technical College is in compliance with Title IV requirements regarding reporting graduation rates. Graduation rates are reported to the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Post-Secondary Education Data System (IPEDS) as well as other federally mandated information such as diversity and retention. The links below provide access to this information.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”), a Federal law, requires that Atlanta Technical College, with certain exceptions, obtain a student’s written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from that student’s education records.  Find out what FERPA is and how the laws change for parents and students when they enter college at the U.S. Department of Education.

However, Atlanta Technical College may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent unless the student has advised Atlanta Technical College to the contrary.  Public Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without the student’s prior written consent. The following pieces of information are considered “public directory information:”

    • Full name of student
    • Major and field(s) of study
    • Enrollment Status (full time, part-time, etc.) \
    • Degrees and awards and date received
    • Dates of attendance
    • Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
    • Weight and height of members of athletic teams

If a student does not want Atlanta Technical College to disclose directory information from his or her student education records without prior written consent, the student must notify Enrollment Services, in writing, by the first day of the semester at the registrar’s office.  A student need only file this notification once during his or her enrollment.  However, if there is a break in enrollment or transfer to another TCSG technical college, a new notification must be filed.

Even if a student elects to prohibit the release of directory information, Atlanta Technical College may still implement policies requiring the student to wear or present a student ID badge.

Non-public directory information is not available to the public, but is available to any college official. If the student has indicated to restrict their data, then college officials can only access the information when it is needed for educational purposes.

Additionally, certain state and federal laws require the release of certain student information without prior notification to the student. Questions concerning the release of student information should be addressed to the Office of Enrollment Services.

Atlanta Technical College State Licensure Disclosure

Federal regulations require colleges to disclose information regarding their occupational programs that require a state licensure to be employed, and the status of the program for meeting an individual state’s licensure requirements. To determine if a program meets state licensure requirements, locate the program of choice, and view the status that program has for the state you are located. If the state you are located in does not appear in the meets program licensure requirements field, then we cannot guarantee the program of study will be able to lead you to a state occupational licensure in your state.

Atlanta Technical College State Licensure Disclosure

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What rights do parents have to their children’s educational records?
A: Even if the parent(s) pay for their student’s education, regardless of age, the rights transfer to the student when they begin post-secondary education. This means that in the absence of special authorization, even the parents of the precocious 17 year old who is here as a new freshman may not automatically have access to their student’s records.

Q: Are there special steps that permit parents to have access?
A: Yes, the Disclosure to Parents of Dependent Students form.

  • The student may simply give the parent(s) a copy of the record or document that they wish to see. (This is the easiest and the recommended method.)
  • The student may file an authorization with the Enrollment Service’s Office granting ongoing access rights to the parent(s). The student may give the parent(s) written permission for selected access, either limited as to scope or duration.
  • Although not recommended, the parent(s) may file an Affidavit of Dependency with the Enrollment Service’s Office, along with a copy of the most recent federal 1040 tax form, showing the student as a tax dependent. This action permits full parental access to records, and may be taken without the consent or knowledge of the student, although parent/student communication is always strongly encouraged. Because the 1040 applies only to one calendar year, this action must be repeated on an annual basis. Parents who follow this procedure should be directed to the Enrollment Service’s Office.

Financial Aid
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