Public Information

The following information is provided in accordance with the requirements of our national accrediting agency, the Council on Occupational Education (www.council.org)

1. Institutional Mission

The Columbus City Schools mission statement is “Each student is highly educated, prepared for leadership and service, and empowered for success as a citizen in a global community.”

The primary vision of the Department of Adult and Community Education is to instruct students to such competency levels that they are qualified for initial employment and/or career advancement as reflected in the ACE mission statement:
“Adult and Community Education improves the lives of adult students through personalized, quality learning.”

2. Admission Requirements and Procedures
   Please see the information packet for your program of choice. It may be downloaded from this website www.ccsoh.us/ace. Each program information packet will have a program flyer outlining pre-requisites and requirements and an application checklist clearly outlining the procedure for enrolling in the class. Questions on any of these procedures may be answered by phone by calling 614.365.6000, or the number listed on the packet.

3. Transfer between programs within the Institution

For any student who desires to transfer from one program to another within Adult and Community Education (ACE), the staff will work with the student to find a suitable occupational area.  Students may transfer into a different program within ACE as long as they meet the admission requirements of the new program. 

4. Transfer of Students from other Institutions

ACE welcomes students from other institutions wishing to attend our school. Students who wish to transfer from other institutions into the PN program have the opportunity to do so, if they meet the admission requirements. Students transferring from other institutions to the PN program may receive advanced standing for specific courses from approved or accredited postsecondary programs per the Policy for Advanced Standing which can be found in the Student Handbook for Nursing. An advanced standing request form is available on our website at www.ccsoh.us/practicalnursing.

 Applicants who are applying to ACE programs and who have failed out of or been dismissed from a similar program at another school must present documentation as to the reasons for failure/dismissal. ACE retains the right to refuse admission to these applicants.

5. Transfer of Credits
   ACE is a University System of Ohio member. Please click here for information on how courses are credited back and forth between system member schools. Students from other schools who wish to gain advanced standing in the Practical Nursing Program for courses taken at other schools must complete an advanced standing request form and supply the necessary documentation. Coursework will be considered by the admissions committee, and the applicant will be notified of the decision. The advanced standing request must be turned in at the time of application. The course syllabus, course description, length of the course, grade received and when the course was taken will all be considered when determining the granting of advanced standing.

6. Programs/Course Information

Basic information on programs and courses may be found in the individual program information packets available for download from our website. The information packet will outline required courses and dates the program or course will be offered. Simply click on the link from the front page of this website to go to the course page. Then click on the link for information packet.

7. Program Completion Requirements

Program Completion Requirements may be found on the webpage associated with your program on our website, as well as in the Student Handbook. A current copy of the Student Handbook is available for review in the Student Services Office at 2323 Lexington Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211.

8. Faculty

Click here for a complete list of our faculty members, along with their degrees held and conferring institutions.

9. Institutional Facilities

ACE occupational programs are currently approved at three locations: Hudson Community Education Center, Fort Hayes Career Center and the Columbus Downtown High School.  Daytime programs are conducted at the Hudson Community Education Center, including the Practical Nursing Program, Nurse Aide (when offered) and Aspire high school equivalency and ESOL classes. The Hudson Community Education Center is conveniently located between Cleveland Avenue and I-71 in the Linden area. The HVAC Program is housed at the Fort Hayes Career Center downtown at Cleveland Avenue and Jack Gibbs Boulevard. The Columbus Downtown High School is located near 4^th Street and I-70 in downtown. All locations for occupational training have labs and equipment for student use. Aspire high school equivalency and ESOL programs are offered at several locations around town depending on available space or community needs.

10. Rules and Regulations for Conduct

All students are given the ACE Student Handbook upon entrance into their program. Students are responsible for knowing the rules of conduct and consequences that may be faced if rules are broken. Specifics on required behavior while in the program may be found in the ACE student Handbook available in the Student Services office at 2323 Lexington Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211.

Rules for required behavior are also discussed in detail at orientation.

11. Tuition and Fees

Tuition, fees and other costs related to programs are outlined in the program information packets which may be downloaded from the program pages on this website.  ACE prides itself on offering the best possible value in occupational education. There are no application or registration fees for our occupational programs. However, for the health occupations programs, there are costs that may be incurred during the application process such as physical examinations, immunizations, a background check or entrance examination fees.  The cost of books vary depending upon where they are purchased. Students may be required to purchase school uniforms for health occupations programs. Please see the flyer or information packet associated with the program for complete, current details.

12. Financial Aid

Federal financial aid is offered for the Practical Nursing program. The practical nursing information packet is available on this website and contains current information about the application process and the amount you may expect to receive if you qualify for the maximum amount.

The primary sources of federal financial aid include the following:

Federal Pell Grant

This grant is based on financial need and typically does not have to be repaid.

Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan

This loan is based on financial need and repayment begins six months after you leave school.

Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan

This loan is not based on financial need and payment begins six months after you leave school.

Federal PLUS Loan

For students designated “Dependent” on the FAFSA, your parents may apply for the Federal PLUS loan.      This loan requires a standard credit check by the lending agency. See our Financial Aid Coordinator for a PLUS Loan application.

Federal Financial Aid Eligibility Requirements

These are general requirements for receiving Federal Financial Aid. Other forms of assistance may require additional documentation or have their own specific requirements.

• You must have a high school diploma or high school equivalency.
• You must have a valid Social Security Number.
• You must be enrolled in an approved training program: Practical Nurse (PN)
• You must be a U.S. Citizen or eligible Non-Citizen.
• Male students must comply with current Selective Service Requirements.
• You cannot be in default on any Federal Title IV student loan, or owe a repayment of any Federal Title IV grant.
• You must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress after enrollment as defined in the Student Handbook.

13. Aspire programs

                Aspire programs and courses like the Adult Diploma Program, High School equivalency classes and ESOL classes are neither accredited by the Council, nor qualify students to receive Title IV financial aid.

14. Refund Procedures for Students Withdrawing from Enrollment

1. Refunds for Classes Canceled by the Institution

If tuition and fees are collected in advance of the start date of a program and the institution cancels the class, 100% of the tuition and fees collected will be refunded. The refund shall be made within 45 days of the planned start date.

2. Refunds for Students Who Withdraw On or Before the First Day of Class

If tuition and fees are collected in advance of the start date of classes and the student does not begin classes or withdraws on the first day of classes, no more than $100 of the tuition and fees may be retained by the institution. Appropriate refunds for a student who does not begin classes shall be made within 45 days of the class start date.

3. Refunds for Students Enrolled Prior to Visiting the Institution

Students who have not visited the school facility prior to enrollment will have the opportunity to withdraw without penalty within three days following either attendance at a regularly scheduled orientation or following a tour of the facilities and inspection of the equipment.

4. Refunds for Students Enrolled in Professional Development, Continuing Education, or Limited Contract Instruction

Short-term program fees and instructional charges are not refundable after the course start date.

5. Refunds for Withdrawal after Class Commences

The refund guidelines shall be as follows:

(i) During the first 10% of the period of financial obligation, the institution

shall refund at least 90% of the tuition;

(ii) After the first 10% of the period of financial obligation and until the end

of the first 25% of the period of obligation, the institution shall refund at

least 50% of the tuition;

(iii) After the first 25% of the period of financial obligation and until the end

of the first 50% of the period of obligation, the institution shall refund at least 25% of the tuition; and,

(iv) After the first 50% of the period of financial obligation, the institution

may retain all of the tuition.

15. Occupational Entrance Requirements

Graduates of ACE occupational training programs will be awarded a certificate of completion, along with a finished resume and other information that may help them find work in their chosen field. Practical Nursing graduates will need to take and pass the Ohio Board of Nursing NCLEX-PN examination in order to earn their license. A license is required in the state of Ohio in order to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse. In the state of Ohio, Nurse Aide graduates may be able to find work as a nurse aide without taking the Ohio Department of Health STNA licensure examination, but it is recommended that students take the examination to become a State Tested Nurse Aide.

16. Career Paths

Some of our Nurse Aide graduates continue their training by enrolling in the Practical Nursing program. As a Licensed Practical Nurse, they can obtain employment in one of over 30 long-term care and rehabilitation centers in the Columbus area. LPN to RN bridge programs are available in Central Ohio to allow students to go on to become Registered Nurses. Some students also go on to BSN and MSN programs.

17. Grading System

The grading system for each course or program is clearly outlined in the course syllabus. For review prior to enrolling in the program, students may contact the customer services office to obtain a copy of the current syllabus for their program.

18. Academic School Calendar

Dates for registration, grades, final exams and holidays vary for each program.  Please see your chosen program page and syllabus/orientation materials for dates corresponding to your program.  Aspire high school equivalency and ESOL orientations are scheduled as needed; the current schedules may be found at http://www.ccsoh.us/ace.

Columbus City Schools holidays and academic calendar may be found at http://www.ccsoh.us.  

19. Campus Locations

Adult Workforce Education classes (Practical Nursing, Nurse Aide) are offered at the following locations:

Main Campus (Practical Nursing, Nurse Aide)

2323 Lexington Avenue

Columbus, OH 43211

614.365.6000

Fort Hayes Career Center Extension

546 Jack Gibbs Boulevard

Columbus, OH 43215

614.365.6000

Columbus Downtown High School Extension

364 South Fourth Street

Columbus, OH 43215

614.365.6000

20. Grievance Procedure

Practical Nursing Program Appeals Process

The faculty realizes that there could be extenuating circumstances that would place a student over the limit of allotted missed classes. Therefore, should a student exceed the allotted number of class time due to circumstances beyond his/her control, the student may request a review by the faculty committee to consider his/her reinstatement. This will be considered only if the student meets all of the following criteria:

The appeals process has been developed for current (not formerly withdrawn) students. It is expected that consultation with the teacher, or an informal meeting with the program administrator, will resolve most problems which might occur in the classroom. However, at the student’s request, the student has access to a procedure that involves a hearing by a panel composed of appointed staff members (Appeals Committee). The student’s instructor(s) are invited to participate in the hearing to provide information but are not considered part of the panel. The purpose of the hearing is to resolve issues through: 

• Hearing specific charges, facts and/or options available.
• Explanation of extenuating conditions or facts contributing to the situation or to deny allegations. Students are permitted to bring witnesses to appeals hearings.

Procedural Steps:

1. Within five (5) school days of written notification of failure of a course or termination from the program/course, the student must request an appeal hearing, in writing, by completing the Student Appeal Form describing the specific issue(s) for which the student requests the hearing. The Student Appeal Form must be submitted to the program coordinator.

2. Within five (5) school days of receiving the written request, the chair of the Appeals Committee will set the date and time of the hearing and notify the student of the scheduled hearing date.

3. At the conclusion of the hearing, a written summary of the appeal hearing will be prepared containing the following information:

• Names and titles of those present
• A summary statement of purpose of the hearing
• A statement by or on behalf of the student, or a notation that the student declines making a statement, regarding the issue A summary statement of the findings/recommendations of the Appeals Instructor Committee

4. Students will be notified of the results at the conclusion of the instructor-lead

Appeals Committee. At this time the student will be given a chance to take the decision of the instructors to a second step appeals process.

5. At the conclusion of the second step appeals process, a written summary of the appeals hearing will be prepared containing:

• Names and titles of those present
• A summary statement of purpose of the hearing
• A statement by or on behalf of the student, or a notation that the student declines making a statement, regarding the issue A summary statement of the findings/recommendations of the Appeals Instructor Committee

6. Within five (5) school days after the hearing, the chair of the Appeals Committee will send to the student a copy of the appeal summary, which includes the decision of the program administrator and recommendations of the Appeals Committee.

Dismissal from the Practical Nursing Program

The following dismissal guidelines have been specifically developed for the Practical Nursing program but may also apply to other ACE programs. Dismissal means that the student is terminated from the program. Students who are dismissed from the program will not receive any refund or financial credit.

1. A student may be dismissed from the School of Practical Nursing for the following

    reasons:

1. Receiving a failing grade twice in a course.

1. Attitude and poor adjustment to the Practical Nursing course as evidenced by

unprofessional behavior such as harassment or inappropriate language with

instructors, students, patients or staff in the school or clinical area, or evidence

of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs at any time. NOTE: The School of

Practical Nursing may require blood/urine testing if chemical impairment is

suspected during the time the student is participating in class, lab, or in the

clinical setting.

1. Inability to satisfactory complete required clinical experiences.

1. Academic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism).

1. Any falsified statements or records.

1. If the student is convicted of any felony or aggrieved crime (per the Ohio

Board of Nursing definition) during the program, the student will be dismissed

from the program.

1. Failure to pay tuition/ fees when due.

1. Failure to maintain standards of nursing practice or to maintain professional

boundaries with patients.

1. Theft or misappropriation of school, hospital, patient, staff or student

property.

1. Breach of patient confidential information to unauthorized persons.

1. Absence from classroom or clinical assignments without notifying the

instructor will result in a warning or probation.

1. Illegal use, possession, sale or distribution of controlled substance or alcohol.

1. Any threat or act of endangering the health or safety of other students,

faculty/staff, patients or visitors, including possession and/or use of dangerous

weapons.

1. Disregard of regulations, insubordination, defiance of authority, or refusal to

cooperate.

1. Failure to notify the administrator of any litigation which occurs while in the

program and involves any egregious crimes defined by the Board of Nursing or

excluding offenses as defined in Ohio Statute for Care of Children and Older Adults.

2. The student has the right to appeal dismissal per the due process procedure.

                The Appeal form is available in the Customer Services office. A student who is

                dismissed from an ACE program and wishes to return to the Program will not be

                considered for re-admission if the reason for dismissal is related to safety issues

                in the clinical area, unprofessional behavior, falsified statements or academic

                dishonesty. Students dismissed due to receiving two (2) failing grades in a

                course may be considered for re-admission with evidence that appropriate steps

                have been taken in order to assure future success. The student must meet all

                existing program requirements at the time of re-application.

General Appeals Process:

The appeals process has been developed for current (not formerly withdrawn) students. It is expected that consultation with the teacher, or an informal meeting with the program coordinator, will resolve most problems which might occur in the classroom. However, at the student’s request, the student has access to a procedure that involves a hearing by a panel composed of appointed staff members (Appeals Committee). The student’s instructor(s) are invited to participate in the hearing to provide information but are not considered part of the panel.

The purpose of the hearing is to resolve issues through:

• Hearing specific charges, facts and/or options available.
• Explanation of extenuating conditions or facts contributing to the situation or to deny allegations. Students are permitted to bring witnesses to appeals hearings.

Procedural Steps:

1. Within five (5) school days of written notification of failure of a course or termination from the program/course, the student must request an appeal hearing, in writing, by completing the Student Appeal Form describing the specific issue(s) for which the student requests the hearing. The Student Appeal Form must be submitted to the program coordinator.

2. Within five (5) school days of receiving the written request, the chair of the Appeals Committee will set the date and time of the hearing and notify the student of the scheduled hearing date.

3. At the conclusion of the hearing, a written summary of the appeal hearing will be prepared containing the following information:

• Names and titles of those present
• A summary statement of purpose of the hearing
• A statement by or on behalf of the student, or a notation that the student declines making a statement, regarding the issue
• A summary statement of the findings/recommendations of the Appeals Committee

4. Within five (5) school days after the hearing, the chair of the Appeals Committee will send to the student a copy of the appeal summary, which includes the decision of the program administrator and recommendations of the Appeals Committee.

Dismissal from a Program:

The following dismissal guidelines have been specifically developed for the Practical Nursing program but may also apply to other ACE programs. Dismissal means that the student is terminated from the program. Students who are dismissed from the program will not receive any refund or financial credit.

1. A student may be dismissed from the school for the following reasons:

1. Receiving a failing grade twice in a course.

1. Attitude and poor adjustment to the course as evidenced by unprofessional

behavior such as harassment or inappropriate language with instructors,

students, patients or staff in the school or clinical area, or evidence of being

under the influence of alcohol or drugs at any time. The School of Practical

Nursing may require blood/urine testing if chemical impairment is suspected

during the time the student is participating in class, lab, or in the clinical setting.

1. Inability to satisfactory complete required clinical experiences.

1. Academic dishonesty (Cheating, plagiarism).

1. Any falsified statements or records.

1. If the student is convicted of any felony or aggrieved crime (per the Ohio

Board of Nursing definition) during the program, the student will be dismissed

from the program.

1. Failure to pay tuition/ fees when due.

1. Failure to maintain standards of nursing practice or to maintain professional

boundaries with patients.

1. Theft or misappropriation of school, hospital, patient, staff or student

property.

1. Breach of patient confidential information to unauthorized persons.

1. Absence from classroom or clinical assignments without notifying the

instructor will result in a warning or probation and may result in termination

from the program.

1. Illegal use, possession, sale or distribution of controlled substance or alcohol.

1. Any threat or act of endangering the health or safety of other students,

faculty/staff, patients or visitors, including possession and/or use of dangerous

weapons.

1. Disregard of regulations, insubordination, defiance of authority, or refusal to

cooperate.

1. Failure to notify the administrator of any litigation which occurs while in the

program and involves any egregious crimes or excluding offenses as defined in

Ohio Statute for Care of Children and Older Adults.

1. Failure to make satisfactory progress while under probation could result in

immediate dismissal from the program.

2. The student has the right to appeal dismissal per the due process procedure. The Appeal form is available in the Customer Services office.

A student who is dismissed from an ACE program and wishes to return to the program will not be considered for re-admission if the reason for dismissal is related to safety issues in the clinical area, unprofessional behavior, falsified statements or academic dishonesty. Students dismissed due to receiving two (2) failing grades in a course may be considered for re-admission with evidence that appropriate steps have been taken in order to assure future success. The student must meet all existing program requirements at the time of re-application.

Probation Improvement:

A student will be advised verbally and in writing regarding indicated performance

improvement  when the student:

1. Has not achieved 75% at mid-term in any course, or for unsatisfactory

clinical grade or clinical occurrence.

2. Has missed two clinical experiences in a level.

3. Does not meet standards of clinical performance, including no show or no call

to a clinical experience.

4. Does not meet the attendance requirements.

5. Demonstrates professional misconduct or violation of policies of the

Department of Adult and Community Education, Columbus City Schools.

The student will be given written notice regarding:

1. Performance Issue.

2. Length of time the student has to improve.

3. The student is to provide input to a performance improvement plan regarding steps the student intends to make to improve. The teacher will sign the plan.

4. This written notice will be signed by student and teacher. Copies will be provided for the student, instructor and administrator of the program.

The student must meet the conditions of the improvement plan while under probation and make satisfactory progress. If unmet, additional actions will occur, this could include additional re-mediation work, course failure or program dismissal, depending on the situation. A student returning to the Program after a period of absence may be placed on performance improvement if he/she was failing a course at the time of leaving the Program or if returning from a previous dismissal.

Students who want to continue the appeals process may contact the Council on Occupational Education at:

COUNCIL ON OCCUPATIONAL EDUCATION

7840 Roswell Road, Building 300, Suite 325

Atlanta, GA  30350

800-917-2081

www.council.org

For information about national and program accreditation, please contact the institution.

Updated December 2018

Campus Security Information

CAMPUS SECURITY - POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Reporting of Criminal Incidence

Adult and Community Education (ACE) strives to provide a safe and secure campus for all students and staff members. All students and staff members are encouraged to report any and all suspicious campus activity immediately upon witnessing the occurrence, especially when the victim of such crime elects or is unable to make such a report. All students should report any knowledge of a criminal or suspicious nature to the administrator of ACE. Staff members report similar knowledge to the administrator of ACE. The administration will then take appropriate action based upon the information given by the student or staff member. When deemed appropriate, local law enforcement authorities will also be notified. In order to keep the campus community informed about safety and security issues on an ongoing basis, ACE will alert the campus community of certain crimes, including all Clery Act crimes, in a manner that is timely and will aid in the prevention of similar crimes. Timely warnings are issued for threats to persons, as well for threats to property.

Security on Campus
The Campus is in operation from 7:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. The building will open at 7:30 a.m. to students and staff and close at 9:30 p.m. These hours are in effect Monday through Friday. The campus is not open on weekends.

Campus Security Programs
All students are informed during orientation of campus security procedures, sexual assault programs to prevent sexual offenses and procedures if an offense occurs, and crime prevention. All staff members are briefed on campus security procedures throughout the school year. Both staff members and students are encouraged to be responsible for their own security and the security of those around them by carefully reading the campus security procedures and reporting any incidents when they occur.

Campus Policy Regarding Illegal Substances
Adult and Community Education strictly forbids the possession, use or sale of any alcoholic beverages and/or illegal drugs on all campus grounds. Students and staff members should report any knowledge of such activities to the administration. Any infraction is cause for immediate suspension and possible termination. When appropriate, such infractions will also be reported to the local authorities. Specific details of the drug policy are outlined in both the Staff Handbook and Student Handbook distributed annually to all staff and students.

Dangerous Weapons
A student shall not possess, handle, transmit (either on person or in a vehicle), conceal, or use as a dangerous weapon any instrument capable of causing harm to another person. Dangerous weapons include, but are not limited to firearms and knifes.

Contact Information

Call 9-1-1 to report an accident, fire, serious illness, injury, or crime in progress that requires immediate response.

The City of Columbus, Division of Police non-life threatening emergency number is 614.645.4545.

The local Law Enforcement agency that could provide information on sex offenders is the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
http://www.sheriff.franklin.oh.us/

The Rape Aggression Defense System (RAD) is a 12 hour comprehensive female-only course with a focus on awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance. The RAD program will meet the needs of women to acquire self-defense education in a relatively short period of time. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office number is 614.525.4507.

The Campus School Safety Resource Coordinator is Marshall Cobb.
614.365.5638

The Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services, promoting wellness and recovery, may be reached at 1.877.275.6364.

Students are reminded that as a pre-condition to accepting a Pell Grant that they sign a certificate stating they would not engage in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance during the period covered by a Pell Grant. A Pell Grant recipient convicted of a criminal drug offense resulting from a violation occurring during the period of enrollment covered by the Pell Grant must report the conviction, in writing, within 10 calendar days of the conviction, to the administration.

The Columbus Board of Education regulation on Anti-Harassment is as follows:
4114.122 Regulation (Anti-Harassment).pdf

Please refer to the ACE Student Handbook or the ACE website, www.ccsoh.us/ace, regarding all other policies and procedures.

Gainful Employment Program Disclosures

The Department of Adult and Community Education is required to disclose program statistics in conformance with Regulatory Requirements by the U.S. Department of Education. Click the link within the page of your Career-Technical program of choice to see Gainful Employment information.

Substance Abuse Support Information

 
Through our Customer Services office, students may obtain a listing of community agencies providing drug/alcohol abuse prevention services.

Student Privacy

The Adult and Community Education department is committed to the protection of our students' safety and their confidential information. Employees are not allowed to take student confidential information out of our building, nor are they allowed to provide confidential information to others without the expressed written consent of the student. Students must sign a release of information form before confidential information is released to individuals or agencies. The form may be obtained from our Customer Services office.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law designed to protect the privacy of a student’s education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s education records. These rights transfer to the student, or former student, who has reached the age of 18 or is attending any school beyond the high school level. Students and former students to whom the rights have transferred are called eligible students.

• Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review all of the student’s education records maintained by the school. Schools are not required to provide copies of materials in education records unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible students to inspect the records. Schools may charge a fee for copies.

• Parents or eligible students have the right to request that a school correct records believed to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the eligible student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record commenting on the contested information in the record.

• Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student before releasing any information from a student’s record. However, the law allows schools to disclose records, without consent, to the following parties:

School employees who have a need to know.

Other schools to which a student is transferring.

Certain government officials in order to carry out lawful functions.

Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student.

Organizations conducting certain studies for the school.

Accrediting organizations.

Individuals who have obtained a court order or subpoena.

Persons who need to know in cases of health and safety emergencies; and state and local authorities within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific state law.

Schools may also disclose, without consent, “directory” type information such as student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. However, schools must tell parents and eligible students about directory information and allow parents and eligible students a reasonable amount of time to request that the school not disclose “directory” information about them. Schools must notify parents and eligible students annually of their rights under FERPA. The actual means of notification (special letter, inclusion in a PTA bulletin, student handbook, or newspaper article) is left to the discretion of each school.

Additional information on the FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS & PRIVACY ACT (FERPA) as defined by the Federal Department of Education may be obtained at

FERPA at www.ed.gov

Note: The USA Patriot Act of 2001 (Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism) amends FERPA to include additional exceptions to the rules of releasing information without student/parent consen