ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ is committed to protecting the privacy of student and employee records in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and campus privacy standards. However, under the USA PATRIOT Act (Public Law 107-56), federal law enforcement officials may obtain ex parte court orders or subpoenas to inspect, copy, or seize educational and employment records without prior student consent or notification when investigating national security matters or acts of terrorism.

To safeguard student privacy, ensure strict compliance with federal law, and protect the institution and its personnel from legal liability, ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ adheres to the following protocol, which applies to all ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ faculty, staff, administrators, student workers, and departments who handle or maintain student, educational, or personnel records.

1. Immediate Referral: Any receipt of a court order, subpoena, or inquiry citing the USA PATRIOT Act or national security exceptions to FERPA—regardless of which campus office, department, or employee receives it—must be routed immediately to the Office of the President.
2. Strict Confidentiality (Gag Order Compliance): Federal court orders issued under these provisions typically prohibit the institution from disclosing the existence or contents of the order. To avoid violating federal law and forfeiting good-faith liability protections, employees must not notify the student, discuss the request with unauthorized colleagues or parents, or log the disclosure in accessible student records.
3. Legal Review & Response: The Office of the President will immediately submit the request to the institution’s legal counsel. No educational or employment records will be released until counsel has verified the legal sufficiency of the request. The college's formal response will be executed exclusively under the direction of the President or their designated representative.

Updated and Approved by the Executive Team August 5, 2026