What is a Confidential Hold?

Posted: August 8, 2013 at 9:24 am, Last Updated: June 28, 2019 at 1:40 pm

A student can elect to prevent the release of all directory information by submitting the Request to Prevent Disclosure of Student Information form to the Office of the University Registrar.   You will see the designation “confidential” on class rosters for these students. Faculty and staff may still contact the student regarding class business, but should […]

What is the Solomon Amendment?

Posted: April 12, 2013 at 4:51 pm, Last Updated: December 18, 2020 at 1:43 pm

The Solomon Amendment is a federal law that requires institutions of higher education to provide “student recruitment information” for all students who are at least seventeen (17) years of age and enrolled for at least one credit hour at their institution to military recruiters. The Department of Education has determined that the Solomon Amendment supersedes […]

What is Directory Information?

Posted: April 12, 2013 at 4:50 pm, Last Updated: June 28, 2019 at 1:42 pm

Directory Information at Mason consists of the following: Student Name Major Field of Study Dates of Attendance Enrollment Status Previous Institutions Class Level Degrees and Awards Received Photographs Participation in Officially Recognized Sports and Activities Weight and Height of Athletes Mason defines the following as Limited Directory Information: *Student ID (G Number) *Date of Birth This information […]

May I discuss my students with other faculty?

Posted: March 22, 2013 at 4:50 pm, Last Updated: June 28, 2019 at 2:29 pm

Yes, IF you have a legitimate education interest.​ Legitimate Educational Interest: ​ When a school official need access to education records in the course of performing their job duties at Mason​ Must be necessary for your job role or completing job tasks​ Must be used for official Mason business within the scope of your employment​ The information […]

What are acceptable methods for returning papers or exams?

Posted: March 22, 2013 at 4:50 pm, Last Updated: June 28, 2019 at 2:33 pm

While you may return papers and/or examinations by mail, the safest practice is to return papers personally to the student. Never ask students to pass out graded work. Do not post student grades on a wall or leave graded assignments in a box outside an office

Does Mason require FERPA training?

Posted: March 22, 2013 at 4:48 pm, Last Updated: June 28, 2019 at 2:43 pm

All George Mason University employees who handle or have access to education records, including all instructional/research and administrative/professional faculty, must complete FERPA training session upon employment, and then every two years. FERPA training is also required to receive Banner access. Every individual doing any work on behalf of Mason must comply with policies and guidelines […]

What are the consequences for violating FERPA?

Posted: March 22, 2013 at 4:48 pm, Last Updated: June 28, 2019 at 2:48 pm

The consequences for violating FERPA include: Loss of all federal funding​ A formal complaint to the Department of Education​ Disciplinary action by Mason, up to and including termination.