The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”), a Federal law, requires that the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and Augusta 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.
However, TCSG or Augusta Technical College, may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent unless the student has advised TCSG or Augusta 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.
If a student does not want TCSG or Augusta Technical College to disclose directory information from his or her student education records without prior written consent, the student must notify TCSG or Augusta Technical College, 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, TCSG or Augusta Technical College may still implement policies requiring the student to wear or present a student ID badge.
Effective November 1, 2020, the Technical College System of Georgia and Augusta Technical College define "public directory information" as follows:
- Full name of student
- City of residence
- County of residence
- Major and field(s) of study
- Degrees and awards including nature and date received
- Dates of attendance
- Enrollment status (full time, part-time, etc.)
- Participation in official activities and sports
- Weight and height of members of athletic team
The Technical College System of Georgia and Augusta Technical College define “non-public directory information” as follows:
- Address
- Email address
- Telephone Number
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 TCSG Office of Legal Services.
Students who wish to prohibit the release of directory information should file a written notification with the Office of Student Records on the Augusta Campus.