Campus Resource & Administration
The Office of the Dean of Students administers the
Student Handbook
, the student conduct boards,
and the Community Standards and Code of Conduct. The Office of the Dean of Students may also
provide conflict mediation and restorative justice programs to assist with managing conflict in the
College community.
Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of
college students’ educational records. Such records include, but are not limited to, academic, health,
counseling, and disciplinary records. Spelman College will not permit the release of educational
records or other information about a student, other than directory information, without the student’s
written consent. Exceptions to this policy are as follows:
1. Members of the faculty or administration of the College who have a legitimate educational interest
2. Officials of other schools in which the student wishes to enroll
3. To support the student’s application for receipt of financial aid
4. Organizations conducting studies for or on behalf of educational agencies
5. Accrediting agencies to carry out accrediting functions
6. To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena, provided the student is notified
before compliance with the order or subpoena when consent is required. This release must be in
writing, signed, and dated by the person giving consent, and shall include:
a. Specification of the record to be released
b. Reason for the release
c. Names of parties to whom the record is to be released
A record will be kept of the parties who have received access to a student’s record
Directory information will be furnished to those requesting such information unless the student notifies the
College annually not to release this information. Directory information consists of the following:
1. Student enrollment
2. Dates of enrollment
3. Classification
4. Degree earned (if any) and dates
5. Major
6. Honors
7. Local and home address and telephone numbers
If a student does not wish to have any of the above information released, she should notify the
Registrar’s Office. If you would like additional information about FERPA, please see the
Spelman
College Bulletin
at
.
Grievance Policy
A grievance is a complaint against a person for a perceived unjust or unfair act. Grievances can be
filed in the Office of the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students will forward the student grievance
form and maintain copies of all pertinent files and records. All other grievances will be addressed on a
case-by-case basis.
The Student Grievance should state and specify the following information:
A. Name of person or persons involved in the perceived unjust or unfair act
B. A detailed description of the grievance identifying the dates, times, locations, and actions that
were perceived to be unjust and/or unfair
C. Names of any witnesses and a typewritten statement detailing a description of actions witnessed
D. Suggested recommendations for solutions or actions you believe the college should take.
Recommended actions must be consistent with college policy
56
