FERPA

THE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT OF 1974

Gaston College has a long-standing commitment to the protection of students’ rights and privacy of information. Gaston College complies with the provisions of the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), state of North Carolina Law, and the State Department of Education Division of Community College rules. These federal and state requirements relate to accessibility and confidentiality of student records.

Gaston College policies and procedures manual, section 4-31, Confidentiality and Access of Student Records, provides pertinent and detailed information concerning classification of student records. Directory Information Records includes the student’s name, major field of study or program, dates of attendance, enrollment status, and degrees and awards received.

 Gaston College may disclose directory information about a student without the consent of the student unless the student has properly objected to the release. Any student not wishing the release of directory information must file a written request with the Records and Registration Office no later than the last day of Late Registration.

Leon’s Law

Leon’s Law is a North Carolina state law (Session Law 2025-46) that changes how education records are handled for students who are under 18 and enrolled in college courses.

Under this law, parents/guardians of minor students who are claimed as dependents on the most recent federal tax return may request access to certain education records. This law works alongside FERPA, the federal privacy law that protects student education records.

What Students Must Do

• • All students under 18 must complete the Leon’s Law Student Acknowledgement Form before they can register for classes. Students will complete the Acknowledgment form as part of the admissions/registration process. College Now students will complete as part of the course request form. Early College and Adult high School/GED students will complete at their orientation/registration. Curriculum students under age 18 will be sent the form as part of the Admissions process. 
  • Continuing Education students will complete the form as part of the registration process.
  • The Leon’s Law Student Acknowledgement Form allows students to submit parental information or not to disclose but merely acknowledge their parents/guardians are allowed access to their information.
  • Students will not be allowed to register for classes until this form is completed – Leon’s Law Student Education Records Acknowledgement Form

What Parents Must Do

• Submit a written request including their name, the name of the student, and what information is being requested. For Early College and College Now students, the email may be sent to the Early College liaison. For College Now students, the email may be sent to the College Now advisor. For all other students (Adult high School, GED, Continuing Education, the request should be sent to [email protected].
• If the student chooses not to disclose parental/guardian names and contact information, the most recent federal tax return proving the student is a dependent must be submitted in order for information to be released.

What Records can be released?

• Grades
• Attendance records
• Course schedules
• Academic standing (good standing, alert, probation, etc.)
• Disciplinary records
• Other educational records covered by FERPA

Important: Leon’s Law does not allow parents to sit in classes, get weekly grade updates, contact instructors, or bypass college processes. It only allows access to official records through the proper request process.

Protecting student privacy

Gaston College takes student privacy records seriously.

• All parent/guardian requests are reviewed and verified before information is shared
• Information is only released if forms are completed and the requester is authorized
• Processing may take up to 45 days in accordance with FERPA guidelines

Questions? Students and families with questions about Leon’s Law can contact [email protected].