Family with an SBCC student.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

Santa Barbara City College maintains student records and privacy in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

  • The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, sets forth requirements regarding the privacy of student records. FERPA protects students' rights to inspect and review their education records, to request to amend their educational records, and to limit disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in education records.


  • Student education records are defined as records, files, documents and other materials that contain information directly related to a student and are maintained by the institution or by a party acting for the institution. Education records are NOT: sole possession records, law enforcement unit records, employment records, medical records, or post-attendance records.


  • All currently enrolled and former SBCC students, regardless of age, are protected under FERPA.


  • When a student reaches the age of 18 or begins attending a postsecondary institution, regardless of age, FERPA rights transfer from the parent to the student. Parents may obtain directory information from Admissions & Records. Parents may only obtain non-directory information if you, the student, have submitted an Authorization for Release of Information to Parents to Admissions & Records. Photo ID will be required.

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    College officials will only assist the student with access to their Pipeline account, which contains records covered under FERPA. Additionally, students at SBCC are expected to act on their own behalf, not only out of respect for student privacy, but also to fully engage students in college administrative processes that are essential for their success in college.

    Please have your student call (805) 730-4450 for assistance. Calls will be returned in a timely manner.


  • Many SBCC departments utilizes best practices for emailing FERPA protected information to students. Since there is no guarantee of confidentiality with personal email accounts, course instructors may only send sensitive information to your secure SBCC Pipeline email account. 
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    A written, signed and dated consent from the student is required prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information (exceptions apply - see below). The written consent must:

    • Identify the records that may be released
    • State the purpose of the disclosure
    • Identify the third party to whom the disclosure may be made
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    • To college faculty, staff and administrators with a legitimate educational interest in the information.
    • In response to a request for directory information.
    • To Federal, State and local education authorities involving an audit, evaluation or compliance with education programs.
    • Agents acting on behalf of the college (i.e. National Student Clearinghouse).
    • In connection with processing financial aid.
    • Accrediting organizations.
    • To comply with a judicial order or subpoena.
    • In connection with a health or safety emergency if the information will assist in resolving the emergency.

    Requests to disclose information under these circumstances should always be handled with caution and approached on a case by case basis.

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    Authorized officials of SBCC may release the following items defined as directory information without the student's written consent:

    • Students' dates of enrollment
    • Confirmation if an individual is enrolled in the current semester
    • Names of students who receive degrees and awards
    • Students on the President's Honor Roll
    • Names of student officers
    • Names of students who participate in officially recognized activities and sports
    • Names of students who are members of athletic teams
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    Yes. Carefully review the Request for Non-Disclosure of Directory Information. If you choose to opt out, print and complete the form and return it to Admissions & Records. Photo ID will be required.