FERPA & Study Abroad

The Center for International Programs recognizes and upholds a student’s right to confidentiality regarding their academic and other information. All study abroad-related information in CIP’s possession – including documentation, correspondence, and information shared by a student during person-to-person meetings – becomes part of a student’s education record and is disclosed by CIP only in accordance with applicable Saint Joseph’s University policies, including but not limited to the Policy on Confidentiality of Student Records, which implements the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

CIP shares study abroad-related information in its possession in accordance with University policies in the following ways:

With a student’s written consent

If a student would like individuals outside of SJU to receive information about their study abroad plans, enrollment, application, or other related information, unless FERPA otherwise permits such disclosure, the student must provide a signed FERPA Consent to Disclose Form to CIP. The student may revoke this consent upon written notice to CIP at any time.
With University personnel, on a limited, need-to-know basis

Information about a student’s study abroad may be shared with faculty, staff and administrators only when there is a legitimate educational reason for University personnel to know the information. For example, transcripts are shared with the Office of the Registrar for the purpose of assigning academic credit, and emergency contact information is shared with trip leaders on faculty-led programs.
With other third-parties, in limited circumstances

Study abroad-related information may be disclosed to others in limited circumstances, such as protecting individuals in an emergency, complying with the law and/or complying with University policies and procedures. Please refer to the University Policy on Confidentiality of Student Records for more information on disclosure of student education records to third parties.