Why does the Financial Aid Office limit the scope of information it gives out over the telephone?
The Financial Aid Office does not release some specific student financial aid information over the telephone in order to protect the student’s right to privacy. The “Family Education Rights and Privacy Act” (FERPA) of 1974 (Buckley Amendments) permits access to student’s records only if we can be reasonably sure that the requestor is the student. Therefore you will be asked to provide certain identifying information if calling on the phone. This, however, does not guarantee that all requested information will be released, as it depends on the content and complexity of the inquiry. Some issues are best handled in person and, if this is the case, the caller will be informed of that by the staff member. The Financial Aid Office staff is always happy to answer general financial aid questions over the telephone. Always have picture I.D. with you when you come to visit the Financial Aid Office.
