The Lowdown 23-24

to be education records as defined under FERPA.
VII. The Student’s Right to Challenge the Content of the Education Record
The University of South Alabama recognizes that the student, after reviewing the education
record, has a right to challenge the content of that record, relative to the possibility of the
record being misleading, inaccurate or inappropriate. However, under the Act, a student
does not have a right to challenge the numerical or letter grade given by the instructor.
If a student wishes to challenge a record, the student should make that request for challenge
of the record known to the record official. The student will be required to complete a form
in which the student specifies on the form the nature of the challenge, that is whether the
record is misleading inaccurate, inappropriate, etc. If the record official agrees that the
record is inaccurate, misleading or inappropriate, the record will be amended and the
student will be notified in writing. If the record official does not agree with the student’s
challenge, the student will be so informed and advised of the right to a hearing. The record
official will act as the hearing officer and will designate a date, time, and place for the
hearing. The hearing will be held within a reasonable period of time following the request
to the record officer. The student will have an opportunity to present information relative
to his/her challenge. The record official will have an opportunity to inspect the education
record relative to the content of that record and to request information from the student
and from the maker of the education record or that portion which is challenged. A decision
of the record official, acting as a hearing officer, will be returned to the student within ten
(10) University working days following the conclusion of the hearing. If the record official
does not allow the requested amendment, the student will be advised that he/she may place
a written statement in the file commenting on the contested information and/or stating the
nature of the disagreement. The student has the right to file a complaint with the Family
Policy Compliance Office.
VIII. Waiver of Student Right to Review and Inspect Education Records
The University of South Alabama, pursuant to FERPA, provides for waivers of the student’s
right to review and inspect regarding the following education records: letters or statements
of recommendation associated with application, admission, receipt of honors or other
recognition. The University of South Alabama retains the right to request such waivers of
students and prospective applicants. If a student receives a request for waiver, the student
may either sign and return the waiver, or may request a list of the names of the individuals
who will be contacted for recommendations before signing the request, or may refuse to
waive the right of access.
A WAIVER SHALL NEVER BE A CONDITION OF ADMISSION, FINANCIAL AID, OR
OTHER BENEFIT BY THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA.
IX. Releasing Education Records to Third Parties
It is the general policy of the University of South Alabama that the University does not
release education records or information relating to a student, to individuals or agencies
outside of the University of South Alabama. However, the student may request the release
of education records to individuals or agencies outside of the University of South Alabama.
In the event that the individual does so request such education records to be released, a
written request/authorization from the student must be directed to the proper records
official, specifying the records to be released, the reason for the release, the person to whom
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