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Disclosure of Education Records

Under FERPA, students have the right to consent prior to the disclosure of education records, except in instances where FERPA authorizes disclosure without student consent. The Seminary will not release student education records without prior written consent, except in the following instances:

  • The disclosure is to school officials who have been determined to have legitimate educational interests.

    North Park Theological Seminary defines a school official as a person employed by the Seminary or University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position; a person or company with whom the Seminary or University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the board of trustees; a student worker under the supervision of a school official; or a student serving on an official committee. Should a school official need a student’s education record in order to fulfill a professional responsibility, it will be considered a legitimate educational interest.

  • The student is seeking or intending to enroll in another school.
  • The disclosure is to state or local educational authorities auditing or enforcing federal- or state-supported education programs or enforcing federal laws which relate to those programs.
  • The disclosure is to the parents of a student who is a dependent for income tax purposes;
  • The disclosure is in connection with determining eligibility, amounts, and terms for financial aid or enforcing the terms and conditions of financial aid.
  • The disclosure is pursuant to a lawfully issued court order or subpoena.
  • The information disclosed is designated as directory information.

North Park Theological Seminary publishes a student directory each academic year. The Seminary considers the following information suitable for directory use or other public functions: student name; names of student’s immediate family; student photograph; local address and telephone number; place of birth; confirmation of current student status; current student degree program; dates of attendance; and degrees, certificates, and academic awards received at North Park or other academic institutions. Students who wish to restrict the use of any of this information must submit a written request to Seminary Academic Services within the first week of the current semester. Should a student wish to have his or her education records released to a spouse, parent(s), guardian(s), or specified third party, the FERPA release form, available on the Seminary website, must be completed fully and returned by mail to:

North Park Theological Seminary 3225 W. Foster Ave., Box #14 Chicago, IL 60625