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

At its discretion, Lamar University may provide ‘directory information’ in accordance with the provisions of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). Directory information is defined as that information which would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. Designated directory information at Lamar University includes the following: student’s name, address, telephone number, university issued e-mail address, 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. Students may block the public disclosure of directory information by contacting the Records Office (Wimberly 112) and signing a Directory Hold form.

Please consider very carefully the consequences of a decision to withhold directory information. A non-disclosure block will call for Lamar University not to release any of this ‘directory information’; thus, any future requests for such information from non-institutional persons or organizations will be refused. Your name and other directory information such as degrees or honors earned will also be withheld from publication.

Lamar University will honor your request to withhold directory information but cannot assume responsibility to contact you for subsequent permission to release this information. Regardless of the effect upon you, Lamar University assumes no liability as a result of honoring your instructions that such information be withheld.

Although the initial request may be filed at any time, requests for non-disclosure will be honored by the University until removed, in writing, by the student.

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.