FERPA Definition of Student
Under FERPA, a student is anyone who is or has been in attendance at an educational institution, including online attendees, but the term excludes applicants who never enrolled - even those who were accepted but did not enroll.
How this supports CIPP/US study
Use this lesson to separate sectoral scope, data type and regulated entity before testing an exception. Continue with the CIPP/US practice exam.
FERPA defines a student as any individual who is or has been in attendance at an educational agency or institution. Attendance is defined broadly to include people present on campus as well as those who participate via the internet.
The definition excludes individuals who only applied - and even those who were accepted but did not enroll. A student's admission record only becomes an education record once the student matriculates. This is why rejected applicants cannot use FERPA to see why they were turned down.
Key terms - quick answers
What is “Student”?
Sources and study method
This independent lesson uses active recall, spaced retrieval and scenario practice. Read the full study method.