The student advising office would like a list of Federal Pell Grant recipients who are currently on SAP probation. They are examining the possibility of providing additional institutional grants funds to the student's account so that they can focus on school. What is the correct response to this request?

The student advising office would like a list of Federal Pell Grant recipients who are currently on SAP probation. They are examining the possibility of providing additional institutional grants funds to the student's account so that they can focus on school. What is the correct response to this request?

• A. Disclosure of this data is not allowed
• B. Disclosure of this data is allowed
• C. Disclosure of this data is allowed with student authorization
• D. Disclosure of this data is allowed with departmental approval

Answer: (A)

FERPA allows disclosure of education records to school officials who have legitimate educational interest without a student’s written consent. The list of Federal Pell Grant recipients who are on SAP probation is an education record, and the student advising office is a school official whose role is to support students’ academic success. Sharing that information with them for the purpose of deciding who might receive additional institutional grant funds falls within their official duties, so the disclosure is permitted. Keep the information confined to those within the institution who need it, use it only for the stated purpose, and protect it from broader or unauthorized access. If there were any need to share with someone outside the institution or for a purpose not tied to the student’s education, student consent or another FERPA exception would be required.

FERPA allows disclosure of education records to school officials who have legitimate educational interest without a student’s written consent. The list of Federal Pell Grant recipients who are on SAP probation is an education record, and the student advising office is a school official whose role is to support students’ academic success. Sharing that information with them for the purpose of deciding who might receive additional institutional grant funds falls within their official duties, so the disclosure is permitted.

Keep the information confined to those within the institution who need it, use it only for the stated purpose, and protect it from broader or unauthorized access. If there were any need to share with someone outside the institution or for a purpose not tied to the student’s education, student consent or another FERPA exception would be required.