Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Assessment – the various methods that colleges and universities use to evaluate and acknowledge learning that has occurred outside of the traditional academic environment. It is used to grant college credit, certification, or advanced standing toward further education or training (CAEL n.d.).

Equivalency – A determination that a CPL assessment or other earned credit is counted as the same as an offering at Montclair.

Adult Learner – Although most students are legal adults, the term “Adult Learner” refers only to those aged 25 or older.

Policy Description

Montclair offers college credit for work and life experiences, prior to matriculation, to students who demonstrate college-level learning based on objective learning outcomes.
Some examples of opportunities for credit for prior learning include (but are not limited to):

1. An internal examination, portfolio review, performance simulation, or other structured assessment of college-level learning facilitated by faculty in the relevant department, school or program area.
2. A third party examination, such as Advanced Placement, College Level Examination Program, or New York University’s 12-Point Exam. Or, a third party certification that the University has identified as college-level learning.
3. Agreement with a third party university, such as Thomas Edison State University, for a qualified CPL review.

Typically, although these assessments measure learning that happened prior to matriculation, the assessments are offered to students while in attendance at the University. Students should confirm with the University whether any assessments undertaken before matriculation will receive credit. Guidelines for transferring prior learning credit between New Jersey colleges and universities are available:

Credit for Prior Learning Educational Principles:

����vlog acknowledges the following educational principles:

1. Learning occurs both within formal educational settings, in the community at large, and at the initiative of the individual learner.
2. The criteria for evaluation of such learning should take into consideration the educational goals that are identified by the student and their academic program/department/school.
3. Credit for prior learning assessment can provide substantive information about the knowledge, competencies, and skills acquired from outside the academic setting.

General Credit for Prior Learning Standards

Certain requirements and restrictions are applicable to all forms of CPL:

• Students must be enrolled and fully admitted into an academic program to earn CPL. Earned CPL will apply only toward appropriate program requirements.
  • Agreements for CPL can be made prior to deposit or enrollment; however, actual credit will be awarded only once the assessment is completed, and once the student is matriculated into a program at Montclair (in other words, once the student has committed to attend Montclair toward a degree program).
• The number of credits awarded for CPL will typically be equal to the number of credits awarded for the equivalent course. When the equivalent course can be awarded a range of credit amounts, CPL will generally award the fewest allowable credits unless otherwise specified by the faculty assessor.
• Current matriculated students must receive prior approval from their major department chair/director/area coordinator, and the department chair/director/area coordinator that offers the equivalent course at Montclair, for any CPL assessment.
• Students who took an exam or underwent a third party CPL review prior to matriculation (typically as a student at another university who transferred to Montclair) should not assume that Montclair will accept their credit for the same equivalency. A student in this situation should first check the list of approved equivalents. If an exam or third party review is not listed, then the student must speak to an advisor and request a Credit Adjustment if it’s determined the credit will be equivalent to requirements at Montclair.
• Departments and schools are permitted to offer internal, structured CPL assessments which will be published and viewable in a central location. No department/school is required to offer or administer an internal CPL assessment and may ask interested students to seek a review with a third party.
• All students must adhere to the University Residency Policy. CPL does not count toward the residency requirement.
• No CPL can be awarded for requirements that have already been met by the student (no double counting). No CPL can be awarded that would equate to the prerequisite of other coursework/credit that has already been completed (i.e. receiving credit for the lower level of a language after completing a higher level).
• Students are responsible for any charges related to CPL evaluations and assessments. The fee is defined by the University and payable to Student Accounts. Financial Aid should be consulted for any information on possible impacts to receive aid.
• All CPL will be notated on the transcript.

Assessment Standards for an Internal CPL Assessment:

A student’s learning is assessed in accordance with the appropriate competencies, standards and best practices established by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL). These assessments and methods are regularly reviewed by the faculty in a department/school/program area with subject matter expertise.
Multiple assessment methods are used to assess a student’s prior learning. A department/school/program area will require one or more of the following:

• A. Interview/dialog with assessor
• B. Performance simulation
• C. Portfolio
• D. Standardized examination
• E. Subject -based essay
• F. Tangible product (e.g. work-based)
• G. Testimony from qualified observers
• H. External credential/certification

A department/school/program area’s method of assessing prior learning must be consistent in application and review for each prospective student. Rubrics developed for such assessment must be consistent with the rigor and outcomes expected for college-level work.

Standards Regarding Third-Party Examinations

����vlog accepts a number of exams administered by other organizations for academic credit. Generally, Montclair will post equivalencies for commonly accepted exams on the website. Most exams require a specific score to receive credit, and the credit and equivalencies awarded may vary widely. It is important to check the website or speak to an academic advisor to learn more.

A database of other, less common exams, that may be accepted can be found on the .

Some of the exams accepted include:

• Advanced Placement – Certain scores are required for certain exams (typically a 3 or 4 is required), and credits earned can vary. Certain majors or other programs may require completion of a course at Montclair to continue along the curriculum, even if a student achieves a score on AP that would enable one to receive credit.
• College Level Examination Program – It is important to check equivalencies for CLEP before committing to taking an exam. Certain majors or other programs may require completion of a course at Montclair to continue along the curriculum, even if a student achieves a score on CLEP that would enable one to receive credit.
• New York University Language Proficiency Testing (specifically, the 12-Point Test) – The NYU 12-Point Test offers the opportunity for students fluent in a second language to receive credit for their knowledge. Montclair does not accept the NYU 4-Point Test. The NYU 16-Point test may only be accepted at the discretion of a specific program when there is no other reasonable plan to fulfill specific academic requirements. Taking an NYU 12-Point Test is not recommended for students who have already completed coursework in that language, since students cannot receive credit for any level of expertise equivalent to or below the level of credit the student has already received.
• International Baccalaureate – Certain majors or other programs may require completion of a course at Montclair to continue along the curriculum, even if a student achieves a score on IB that would enable one to receive credit.

Standards for Seeking CPL from Thomas Edison State University

TESU is New Jersey’s state university designed for adult learners and has built a robust CPL program. Many universities across the state partner with TESU for their expertise in this area. Montclair helps students receive CPL assessments from TESU. Students should meet with an advisor to begin this process, if interested.

It is imperative for all students to formally notify the Office of the Registrar regarding their intention to fulfill the degree and program requirements by submitting an application for graduation.

1. Graduation: Graduation entails the completion and fulfillment of all requisite degree or program criteria by the culmination of the last academic term, encompassing grades, examinations, and defenses. Graduation is the conferral of degrees and program completion certificates, which takes place three times during the academic year (in January, May, and August) and results in the issuance of a diploma or certificate of accomplishment.It is obligatory for all undergraduate and graduate degree-seeking candidates to inform the Office of the Registrar of their intent to graduate by adhering to the stipulated deadline and remitting a one-time non-refundable University fee, regardless of their intention to attend the commencement ceremony.����vlog will host winter and spring commencement ceremonies for degree graduates of the university.
2. Commencement: Commencement ceremonies are formal occasions for undergraduate and graduate degree candidates, signifying the culmination of an academic journey and acknowledging the achievements of graduates. These ceremonies provide an opportunity for graduates, along with their family, friends, and the ����vlog community to celebrate their accomplishments.

Commencement Eligibility

The Office of the Registrar will furnish a list of eligible graduates and candidates who are on track to successfully fulfill degree requirements to the commencement team. In order to register for the commencement ceremony and receive pertinent communications, degree candidates must have previously applied for graduation by the prescribed commencement registration deadline. It is important to note that the commencement deadline may differ from the graduation application deadline set by the Office of the Registrar. These deadlines are strictly enforced and are published on our website.

A. Winter Commencement

Recent August graduates and current fall and winter candidates for graduation who are on track to satisfactorily complete their undergraduate and graduate degree requirements may participate in the winter commencement ceremony. For instance, graduates from August 2024 and candidates for December 2024 and January 2025 who are anticipated to fulfill all degree requirements by the conclusion of the winter 2025 term will be eligible to take part in the winter 2025 commencement exercise.

B. Spring Commencement:

Undergraduate and graduate degree-seeking candidates who are progressing toward the successful completion of their degree requirements by the conclusion of the spring semester/term may participate in the spring 2025 commencement ceremony. For instance, all candidates for May 2025 who are expected to complete their undergraduate or graduate degree requirements by the conclusion of the spring 2025 term will be eligible to partake in the spring 2025 commencement exercise.

Commencement Participation

Undergraduate and Graduate degree-seeking students will receive an invitation to walk in the commencement ceremony which aligns with the aforementioned eligibility criteria. Students who are invited to walk in a ceremony do not have the option to choose which commencement ceremony to attend and are not eligible to attend other ceremonies.

The rare exception is for international students seeking to attend an earlier ceremony due to compelling circumstances necessitating their return to their international residence. The case must be submitted in writing and will be presented to the Vice President of Enrollment Management for review. It is required to provide supporting documentation along with the approval of the Office of Global Engagement. Moreover, such students must already be enrolled in their final course requirements.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) also known as the Buckley amendment, passed by Congress in 1974, grants four specific rights to students:

• The right to inspect and review their educational records.
• The right to request the amendment of inaccurate or otherwise inappropriate records.
• The right to consent to disclosure of his or her public records.
• The right to file a complaint concerning alleged failure by ����vlog to comply with the requirements of FERPA with the Family Compliance Office in the United States’ Department of Education.

FERPA and parent’s access to their student’s Education Records:

When the student reaches the age of 18 or begins attending a postsecondary institution at any age, FERPA rights transfer from the parent to the student. FERPA applies to students attending any educational program at ����vlog. Students are granted rights under FERPA if they are currently attending or have been in attendance, regardless whether in a credit, no-credit, degree or non-degree credit program. FERPA does not apply to applicants of a school or college at ����vlog who have been admitted but who have not actually been in attendance.

What are Education Records?

An education record is any record that is directly related to a student and maintained by the university. A student has the right of access to these records. Education records include any records in whatever medium (handwritten, email, print, magnetic tape, film, diskette, etc.) that is in the possession of any school official. This includes transcripts or other records obtained from a school in which a student was previously enrolled.

What are not Education Records?

• Sole possession records or private notes held by school officials that are not accessible or release to other personnel,
• Law enforcement or campus security that is solely for law enforcement purposes and maintained solely by the law enforcement unit,
• Records relating solely to an individual’s employment by the institution that are not available for any other purpose,
• Records relating to treatment provided by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist or paraprofessional and disclosed only to individuals providing treatment,
• Records of an institution that contain only information about an individual obtained after that person is no longer a student, i.e., alumni records,
• Grades on peer-graded papers that have not been collected and recorded.

What is Directory Information?

Institutions may disclose the following student information without violating FERPA if the student has not restricted disclosure.

• name
• college/school and curriculum
• enrollment status and credit hour load
• dates of attendance
• classification
• receipt or non-receipt of a degree
• academic awards received (dean’s list, honors students)
• participation in officially recognized activities
• photographs
• position, weight and height of athletes
• primary address and/or email address will be shared with designated vendors providing the following external services to graduating students: Information about purchasing class rings, yearbooks, commencement photos

What rights do students have under FERPA?

• The right to inspect and review their education records within 45 days of their request
• The right to consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in their education records
• The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures to comply with FERPA

What is a Legitimate Educational Interest?

A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

Public posting of grades

The public posting of grades, either by the student’s name, institutional student identification number or social security number is a violation of FERPA. Using an assigned random number that only the student and instructor know would be an appropriate way to post grades. Even then, the order of posting should not be alphabetic.

Letters of Recommendation

Statements made by a person making a recommendation that are made from that person’s personal observation or knowledge do not require a written release from the student who is the subject of the recommendation. However, if the personally identifiable information obtained from a student’s education record is included in a letter of recommendation (grades, GPA, etc.), the writer is required to obtain a signed release from the student which:

• Specifies the records that may be disclosed,
• States the purpose of the disclosure and,
• Identifies the party or class of parties to whom the disclosure can be made.

Since the letter of recommendation would be part of the student’s education record, the student has the right to read it – unless he/she has waived that right of access.

Exceptions to FERPA Non-Release Regulations:

• Health and Safety
  Institutions may take into consideration circumstances pertaining to the health and safety of a student or other individuals to disclose information from education records without a student’s consent. If the institution determines there is “articulable and significant threat” to the health and safety of the student or others, information from education records can be release “to any person whose knowledge of the situation is necessary to protect” the health and safety of the student or other individuals.
• Dependent Student Status
  Under FERPA, schools may release any and all information to parents, without the consent of the eligible student, if the student is a dependent for tax purposes under the IRS rules.
• Alcohol
  Schools may inform parents if the student who is under age 21 has violated any law or its policy concerning the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance.
• Outstanding and Access to Education Records
  Institutions are allowed to disclose education records without the student’s consent to contractors, volunteers and other non-employees performing institutional services and functions.

For a full description of FERPA please visit:  montclair.edu/policies/student/ferpa/

Or visit the U.S. Department of Education at:  www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/ps-officials.html

Updated April 9, 2019

• The right to inspect and review their educational records.
• The right to request the amendment of inaccurate or otherwise inappropriate records.
• The right to consent to disclosure of his or her public records.
• The right to file a complaint concerning alleged failure by ����vlog to comply with the requirements of FERPA with the Family Compliance Office in the United States’ Department of Education.

FERPA applies to students attending any educational program at ����vlog. Students are granted rights under FERPA if they are currently attending or have been in attendance, regardless whether in a credit, no-credit, degree or non-degree credit program. FERPA does not apply to applicants of a school or college at ����vlog who have been admitted but who have not actually been in attendance.

Education Records

An education record is any information recorded in any form that is directly related to a student and maintained by a college or university and by agents acting directly for the college or university. Records are treated the same no matter what medium is used to store the information. Education records include:

• Personal information
• Employment records (where student status is not a prerequisite of employment)
• Grades
• Class schedules
• Printed class lists
• Graded test papers with personally identifiable information related to the individual student.

Individuals responsible for maintaining records are required to keep a record of all requests for release and disclosure of personally identifiable information from the educational record of the student.  Exception to this regulation includes the request for and disclosure of directory information.

The record of requests will state the names of the parties who have requested or obtained personally identifiable information and the legitimate interest of the party in requesting or obtaining that information. This record of requests and disclosures will be maintained by the office that maintains the record and may be inspected by the student under the same procedures by which the record itself may be inspected.

Internal Administration of Requests.  Collegiate/departmental staff may comply with informal requests to review and inspect education records provided the individual is authorized and has an ‘academic need to know’.

The Administrator’s Role

University employees or “Officials” are to act in accordance with FERPA regulations whenever representing the university. A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary committee or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. Employees may only access and use education records as necessary to conduct official university business. A University official exercises “legitimate educational interest” (interests essential to the general process of higher education, including teaching, research, public service and directly supportive activities such as academic advising, general counseling, therapeutic counseling, discipline, vocational counseling and job placement, financial assistance and advisement, medical services, academic assistance activities and co-curricular activities including varsity and intramural sports, social fraternities, specific interest clubs and student government), if the official needs to review an education record in order to perform his or her professional responsibilities.

University employees are responsible for protecting the student information in their possession. These are guidelines to follow when acting as a University Official:

• Individual directory information may be released without written consent, except when the student has made a request to withhold student information through the Office of the Registrar, Red Hawk Central. It provides only that the information may be released. ����vlog is not obligated by this law to release directory information to any party other than the student. Directory information includes:
  • Name
  • Hometown, state and country
  • Major field(s) of study
  • School or College(s) enrolled in
  • Dates of attendance, (including current classification or year)
  • Full-time/part-time status
  • Class year
  • Photographs
  • Degrees and awards received (type of degree and date granted)
  • Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
  • Height and weight of members of athletic teams
  • Primary address and/or email address will be shared with designated vendors providing the following external services to graduating students: Information about purchasing class rings, yearbooks, commencement photos.

Students are entitled to restrict the release of directory information. To avoid release of this information a request must be submitted in writing, hard copy letter with signature and date, no later than the end of the second week of the fall semester to the Office of the Registrar, Red Hawk Central. Note: If you make this request, your name will not appear on sports rosters, Dean’s list, the Commencement program or any other external University list.

• University Officials (e.g., Dean of Students, Registrar and Provost) may release non-directory information to a third party in the case of an emergency when knowledge of information is necessary to protect the health or safety of students or other persons.
• Information cannot be released to third parties outside of the University, including parents of students, without the student’s written consent. See the section titled “Parental Rights” for more information.
• University Officials may release information without a student’s prior written consent to the following groups:
  • ����vlog faculty and staff with legitimate educational interest.
  • Representatives of agencies or organizations from which the student has received financial aid, including banks and other lending agencies.
  • Officials from other educational institutions in which a student intends to enroll.
  • Individuals or groups specifically exempted from the prior consent requirement.
  • Federal and state officials organizations conducting studies on behalf of ����vlog and accrediting organizations.
• Adopt the rule “When in Doubt Don’t Give it Out!” If you are unsure who is entitled to access certain student information or other records questions please contact the Office of Red Hawk Central 973-655-7600 or the Office of Student Development and Campus Life 973-655-4470.

Parental Rights

The rights under FERPA transfer from the parents to the student, once the student turns 18 years old or enters a postsecondary institution at any age. The right to inspect is limited solely to the student. While the University errs on the side of the strict nondisclosure, the institution may disclose information to parents/legal guardians of a student under the following conditions:

• There is an emergency situation and knowledge of information is necessary to protect the health or safety of students or other persons. (Refer these requests to the Dean of Students Office.)
• The student is claimed as a dependent as verified by IRS data.

All requests for student record information for a deceased student must go through the Office of the Registrar.

Faculty Reminders

To avoid violations of FERPA rules, DO NOT:

• At any time use any part of the social security number or student ID in a public posting of grades.
• Ever link the name of a student with that student’s social security number or student ID in any public manner.
• Leave graded tests in a stack for students to pick up by sorting through the papers of all students.
• Circulate a printed class list with the student name, social security number, student ID,or grades as an attendance roster.
• Discuss the progress of any student with anyone other than the student (including parents) without the consent of the student.
• Provide anyone with lists of students enrolled in your classes for any commercial purpose.
• Provide anyone with student schedules or assist anyone other than university employees in finding a student on campus.

“Statements made by a recommender which are made from the recommender’s personal observation or knowledge do not require a written release from the student who is the subject of the recommendation. However, if personally identifiable information from the student’s educational record is included in a letter of recommendation (grades, GPA, etc.), the writer is required to obtain a signed release from the students which (1) specifies the records that may be disclosed, (2) states the purpose of the disclosure and (3) identifies the party or class of parties to whom the disclosure can be made.”

(Guidelines for Postsecondary Institutions for Implementation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as Amended, Revised Edition 1998, Richard A. Rainsberger, American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.)

Technology Use and FERPA

In our current educational environment where the use of technologies is widespread, it is important that we continue to work in accordance with FERPA regulations to the fullest extent. With new technologies, however, additional issues arise about secure transmission of confidential information.

• Faxed requests for transcripts, including the student’s signature (where available) or a scanned document attached to an e-mail message authorizing release of a transcript, are not acceptable methods of providing the written permission required to release such information.
• Faculty or staff utilizing e-mail correspondence with more than one student are responsible for restricting access to a student’s e-mail address if the student has requested non-disclosure of directory information. An example of when this might be of concern to administrators is when mass mailings are sent to students by e-mail and students have access to other recipient’s addresses. Requests for non-disclosure will appear on that student’s Degreeworks record for your information.
• Passwords allowing access to non-directory student information are not to be shared and must be protected from unauthorized disclosure.
• Electronic student records must be protected from unauthorized access.
• Disposal of electronic or paper records should be done in a secure manner.
• Faculty and staff are to refrain from releasing any non-directory information via telephone if they can not be absolutely certain that they are speaking to the student or other authorized individual.

Recording Classes and FERPA

If a recording includes only the instructor, it is not a student record and FERPA does not limit its use. If the recording includes students asking questions, making presentations or leading a class and it is possible to identify the student, then the portions containing recordings of the student do constitute protected educational records. Educational records can only be used as permitted by FERPA or in a manner allowed by a written consent from the student.

The recording may be shown to the members of the class itself without a FERPA release. This allows instructors to create access for students in the class to watch or re-watch past class sessions.

For students in other classes or later semesters, the recording must be treated as if it were being shown to a third-party audience which requires FERPA compliance through use of consents or de-identification of any students depicted.

If any student declines to sign the FERPA consent form, you may de-identify the student from the data/record/recording, but if the student cannot be de-identified, you may not release the data/record/recording.

The easiest way to plan the recording and comply with FERPA is plan the recordings so that they do not show students who are asking questions, don’t refer to the students by name, don’t include the students’ voices, avoid repeating the students’ questions in the recording (de-identifying the students removes the need for a specific consent from each student depicted). If a student happens to appear on camera, their identity can be edited out or a written consent can be obtained.

Because student presentations make it more difficult to de-identify the student, the instructor should obtain a FERPA consent from the student making a presentation. For any video projects, such as student-made films, the instructor should obtain a written consent.

For assistance and for any questions, you should call the University Registrar, Aylin Solu-Brandon (solubrandona@montclair.edu) or contact the University General Counsel’s Office.

Faculty and instructors should not use class recordings for other non -����vlog or non-educational purposes without first consulting with either of these two offices.

Telephone Release

FERPA does not preclude an institution from disclosing non-directory information from a student’s record to the student over the phone. ����vlog is, however, responsible for implementing the necessary procedures to verify the individual’s identity before any information is released. Below is a list of sample questions that can be asked in any combination by university officials to verify a student’s identity, prior to releasing any information to a student over the phone:

• Student/campus identification number
• Full name, including middle name
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Parent name and address
• High school
• Major program
• Class level
• Recent courses taken
• Current enrollment
• Adviser’s name
• Year of first attendance

You do not need to ask all of these questions to verify the student’s identity. A random selection of questions from a pool of questions makes it more difficult for an imposter.

Non-directory information may not be released. If information is needed to help resolve an emergency situation please refer these cases to the Office of the Registrar.

More Information

If you have questions regarding the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act you may contact the 

It is the policy of ����vlog to comply fully and fairly with the provisions of FERPA and the regulations adopted at the University.

(Information provided by the Family Policy Compliance office, presentation modeled on that of the University of Iowa)

For the purposes of this policy, ����vlog has used the following definition of terms:

Student – any person who attends or has attended ����vlog.

Educational Records – any record (in handwriting, print, tapes, film, computer or other medium) maintained by ����vlog or an agent of the University which is directly related to a student, except:

1. A personal record kept by a staff member if it is kept in the sole possession of the maker of the record and is not accessible or revealed to any other person except a temporary substitute for the maker of the record.
2. Records created and maintained by the ����vlog Law Enforcement Unit for law enforcement purposes.
3. An employment record of any individual whose employment is not contingent on the fact that he or she is a student, provided the record is used only in relation to the individual’s employment.
4. Records made or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist or other recognized professional or paraprofessional if the records are used only for treatment of a student and made available only to those persons providing the treatment.
5. Alumni records which contain information about a student after he or she is no longer in attendance at the University and which do not relate to the person as a student.

Annual Notification

As required by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), students will be notified of their FERPA rights annually via “all student E-mail message,” publication in the student handbook, college catalogue and in the Schedule of Courses booklet. This act permits the release of directory information (for complete listing see below) without the prior written consent of the student. It provides only that the information may be released. ����vlog is not obligated by this law to release directory information to any party other than the student.

Procedures to Inspect Educational Records

Students may inspect and review their educational records upon request to the appropriate records custodian.

Students should submit to the records custodian or an appropriate University staff person a written request that identifies as precisely as possible the record or records he or she wishes to inspect.

The records custodian or an appropriate University staff person will make the needed arrangements for access as promptly as possible and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. Access must be given in 45 days or less from the date of receipt of the request.

When a record contains information about more than one student, the student may inspect and review only the records that relate to him.

Limitation of Right of Access

����vlog reserves the right to refuse to permit a student to inspect the following records:

1. The financial statement of the student’s parents.
2. Letters and statements of recommendation for which the student has waived his or her right of access or which were maintained before January 1, 1975.
3. Records connected with an application to attend ����vlog or a component unit of ����vlog if that application was denied.
4. Those records which are excluded from the FERPA definition or education records.

Refusal to Provide Copies

While ����vlog will not deny access to educational records, the University reserves the right to deny copies of records, including transcripts, not required to be made available by FERPA in any of the following situations:

1. The student lives within commuting distance of ����vlog.
2. The student has an unpaid financial obligation to the University.
3. There is an unresolved disciplinary action against the student.
4. The educational record requested is an exam or set of standardized test questions. (An exam or standardized test which is not directly related to a student is not an education record subject to FERPA’s access provisions.)

Fees for Copies of Records

The fee for copies will be $.50 per page. If copies are mailed, actual postage charges will also be applied.

Custodians of Educational Records

The following is a list of the types, location and custodians of records that the University maintains

Disclosure of Educational Records

����vlog will disclose information from a student’s educational records only with the written consent of the student, except that records may be disclosed without consent when the disclosure is:

1. To school officials who have a legitimate educational interest in the records. A school official is:
   • A person employed by the university in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research or support staff position, including health or medical staff
   • A person elected to the Board of Trustees.
   • A person employed by or under contract to the University to perform a special task, such as an attorney or auditor.
   • A person who is employed by the ����vlog Police Department.
   • A student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee or who is assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
   • A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official is:
   • Performing a task that is specified in his or her position description or contract agreement.
   • Performing a task related to a student’s education.
   • Performing a task related to the discipline of a student.
   • Providing a service or benefit relating to the student or student’s family, such as health care, counseling, job placement or financial aid.
   • Maintaining the safety and security of the campus.
2. To officials of another school, upon request, in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. All records will be forwarded upon request, with the understanding that the student has made the request and intends to enroll at another institution.
3. To certain officials of the U. S. Department of Education, the Comptroller General and state and local educational authorities, in connection with audit or evaluation of certain state or federally supported education programs.
4. In connection with a student’s request for or receipt of financial aid to determine the eligibility amount or conditions of the financial aid or to enforce the terms and conditions of the aid.
5. For degree and enrollment verification wherein the consulting and reviewing institutions are considered school officials with a legitimate educational interest.
6. To state and local officials or authorities if specifically required by a state law that was adopted before November, 19, 1974.
7. To organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the University.
8. To accrediting organizations to carry out their functions.
9. To parents of an eligible student who is claimed as a dependent for income tax purposes.
10. To comply with a judicial order or a lawfully issued subpoena.
11. To appropriate parties in a health or safety emergency.
12. To individuals requesting directory information so designated by the University.
13. The results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by the University against an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offenses.
14. Alcohol or controlled substance. To parents or legal guardian of a student under the age of 21 in connection with use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance in violation of federal, state or local law or of any institutional rule or policy.

Records of Requests for Disclosure

����vlog will maintain a record of all requests for and/or disclosures of information from a student’s education records. The record will indicate the name of the party making the request, any additional party to whom it may be re-disclosed and the legitimate interest the party had in requesting or obtaining the information. The eligible student may review the record.

Directory Information

����vlog designates the following items as directory information: student name, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, photographs, degrees and awards received including dean’s list status, most recent previous school attended, date of degree conferment, career (UG/GR), status (full-time or part-time) and classification (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, pre-articulated, provisionally matriculated, matriculated, etc.). Solely for the Permitted Purposes (as hereinafter defined), the University may disclose any of those items without prior written consent, unless notified in writing to the contrary by the end of the second week of the semester. The “Permitted Purposes” are the following: publishing (1) sports rosters (solely on the University’s website located at the following link: https://montclairathletics.com/) and (2) commencement programs.

Additionally, an email address, primary address, and/or phone number will be shared solely with designated vendors providing the following external services to the University: Commencement name-reading and registration software, class rings, yearbooks, and/or commencement photos. The University may disclose an email address, primary address, and/or phone number for such purposes without prior written consent, unless notified in writing to the contrary by the end of the second week of the semester.

Prior Written Consent

A student must provide a signed and dated written consent before ����vlog may disclose personally identifiable information from the student’s education records, except as provided for above. The written consent must:

1. Specify the records that may be disclosed;
2. State the purpose of the disclosure; and
3. Identify the party or class of parties to whom the disclosure may be made.

Requests from students for disclosure to third parties that are sent by e-mail or by the Internet using student identification numbers and PINs may not be considered written consent for disclosure.

Sexual Offenders Disclosure

FERPA does not prohibit the disclosure of information provided to ����vlog as a result of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. Information provided by individuals required to register with state officials as a result of that law may be disclosed in accordance with the disclosure of records policies.

Termination of FERPA Rights

Unless otherwise so directed by the student, FERPA rights terminate upon the death of the student. Records can be requested by the next of kin.

Correction of Educational Records

Students have the right to ask to have records corrected that they believe are inaccurate, misleading or in violation of their privacy rights. Following are the procedures for the correction of records:

1. A student must ask the appropriate official of ����vlog to amend a record. In so doing, the student must identify the part of the record to be amended and specify why the student believes it is inaccurate, misleading or in violation of his or her privacy rights.
2. ����vlog may comply with the request or it may decide not to comply. If it decided not to comply, the University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing to challenge the information believed to be inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s privacy rights.
3. Upon request, ����vlog will arrange for a hearing and notify the student reasonably in advance, of the date, place and time of the hearing.
4. The hearing will be conducted by a hearing officer who is a disinterested party; however, the hearing officer may be an official of the institution. The student shall be afforded a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the issues raised in the original request to amend the student’s educational records. One or more individuals, including an attorney, may assist the student.
5. ����vlog will prepare a written decision based solely on the evidence presented at the hearing. The decision will include a summary of the evidence presented and the reasons for the decision.
6. If ����vlog decides that the information is inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s right of privacy, it will amend the record and notify the student, in writing, that the record has been amended.
7. If ����vlog decides that the challenged information is not inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s right of privacy, it will notify the student that he or she have a right to place in the record a statement commenting on the challenged information and/or a statement setting forth reasons for disagreeing with the decision.
8. The statement will be maintained as a part of the student’s education records as long as the contested portion is maintained. If ����vlog discloses the contested portion of the record, it must also disclose the statement.