Privacy Protections

Your immigration status is protected under FERPA

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) [1974] protects the privacy of student education records and generally limits disclosure without student consent. The College does not disclose student information to outside agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), except as permitted or required by law (e.g., valid subpoena, court order, or health and safety emergency). Immigration status should be treated like other student information, such as participation in Running Start or receiving accommodations from Disability Access Services.

College employees will only inquire about a student’s immigration status:

• If it is beneficial to the support of student’s educational goals.
• To evaluate appropriate access to the same educational opportunities as all students.
• To ensure that students are exposed to learning experiences that focus on college aspirations.

Such inquiries must be limited to what is necessary to perform official duties and handled in accordance with FERPA.

Any such information must be handled confidentially and only shared with school officials who have a legitimate educational interest.

If you would like further information about FERPA please contact Florentino Ubungen at florentino.ubungen@seattlecolleges.edu.

Opt out of Directory Information

Students may also want to request that the institution does not disclose their directory information. Directory information includes:

• Student Name
• E-mail Address
• Enrollment status in the college
• Date(s) of enrollment
• The division or area of study
• Degrees and awards received
• Participation in officially recognized sports*
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams*

*Not applicable at North Seattle College

Students who wish to update their privacy restrictions should follow the steps outlined in the FERPA Block: Update Privacy Restrictions Guide.