The University of South Carolina collects and maintains social security numbers (SSNs) of employees, students and others associated with the university as required by law. While the University no longer uses SSNs as a key identifier, it’s still a data element in university systems for purposes of employment, IRS reporting, and financial aid.
Student Rights under FERPA
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) was passed in 1974 by Congress to require educational institutions to:
- Provide students access to their educational records
- Allow students to correct inaccurate or misleading information in these records
- Limit the release of information to third parties
FERPA affords students rights with respect to their education records.