Educational Records and Student Rights

The following information concerning student records maintained by Lamar University are published in compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended (PL93-380).

Access to Records

Access to educational records directly related to a student will be granted to him or her unless the type of record is exempt from the provision of the law. The types, locations and names of custodians of educational records maintained by the University are available from the Registrar. Access to records by persons other than the student will be limited to those persons and agencies specified in the statute. Records will be maintained of persons granted such access and the legitimate interest in each case.

Release of Information

The release of information to the public without the consent of the student will be limited to the categories of information which have been designated by the University as directory information and which will be routinely released. The student may request this information be withheld from the public by making written request to the Records Office*. Directory information includes a student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, classification, dates of attendance, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, degrees, honors and awards received and the last educational agency or institution attended. Please note e-mail addresses maintained by Lamar University are for university use only.

A student has the right to challenge records and information directly related to him or her if it is considered to be inaccurate, misleading or otherwise inappropriate. Issues may be resolved either through an informal hearing with the official immediately responsible or by requesting a formal hearing. The procedure to be followed in a formal hearing is available in the Records Office. Prior consent is not required from a student to disclose information to the Comptroller General of the United States, the Attorney General of the United States, the Secretary of State and State and local educational authorities.

A reasonable attempt will be made by Lamar University to notify a student of a records request to comply with a judicial order or a lawfully issued subpoena.

*Request for DIRECTORY INFORMATION HOLD printable form. Form must be delivered to room 112 of the Wimberly Building, faxed to 409-880-8369, or mailed to Records Office, P.O. Box 10010, Beaumont, Texas 77710.

Parental Access

The right of parental access to student records may be established by either of two methods: first, by the student filing a written consent statement and, second, by the parent validating the student's dependence as defined by the Internal Revenue Service.

A student has the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Lamar University to comply with the requirements of FERPA.