2025-2026 College Catalog

Student Privacy Rights – Annual Notification

 

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STUDENT PRIVACY RIGHTS – ANNUAL NOTIFICATION

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives students certain rights with respect to their education records.

These rights include:

  1. The right to be informed about their student education records.
  2. The right to inspect their education records within 45 days of the day the College receives a request for California law requires that records be provided within 15 working days.

A student should submit to the Dean of Enrollment Services or other appropriate records custodian a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The College official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the College official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.

  1. The right to request the amendment of their education records.

A student who wishes to ask the College to amend a record should write the College official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the College decides not to amend the record as requested, the College will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment.

  1. The right to have a formal hearing if the request for amendment is denied.

A student whose request to amend the record is denied will be notified in writing with details concerning an appeal hearing.

  1. The right to prevent unauthorized disclosure of any or all of the information in their education records, subject to specific exceptions identified in FERPA and State law.

Student records may not be disclosed without the written consent of the student. The following exceptions apply:

The College discloses education records without a student’s prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the College has contracted as its agent to provide a service instead of using College employees or officials (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.

A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for College.

Upon request, the College also discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

FERPA requires that the College, with certain exceptions, obtain a student’s written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from the student’s education records. However, the College may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless the student has advised the College to the contrary in accordance with College procedures. Disclosure of Directory Information is limited to College officers and employees for official College communications, programs, and publicity.

SMC has designated the following items as ‘Directory Information’:

    • Student name;
    • Dates of attendance;
    • Degrees, certificates, and academic awards received (e.g., Dean’s List). This does not include scholarships.

Students may block release of directory information to non-SMC third parties by placing a “Directory Information” hold on their Corsair Connect account (“View/Edit Profile” tab).

  1. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education about a violation of FERPA regarding their education record. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-5901

  1. The right to waive these rights in writing, including the right to give written authorization to a third party to obtain a copy of the student’s education records.

For a full explanation of FERPA and its implications for college students, please contact the Admissions Office.

CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY SAFETY

SMC Police Department (Campus Police)

Under the general direction of the Chief of Police, the SMC Police Department ensures that reasonable protection is provided to members of the College community and the property of the Santa Monica Community College District by using methods that fit within and contribute to the educational philosophy and process of the College.

The SMC Police Department and its officers comply with the selection and training requirements of California Penal Code §13522. Campus Police officers receive the same training as municipal police officers or county deputy sheriffs, and they have Peace Officer authority under California Penal Code §830.32a and California Education Code §72330.

The SMC Police Department receives reports for all incidents occurring on SMC campuses and is responsible for investigating all campus crime. For services the SMC Police Department provides, see the Campus Police listing in the Programs and Services section of this catalog, or visit the SMC Police Department website (smc.edu/police).

Campus Police would like to remind all students, faculty, staff, and visitors at Santa Monica College that — no matter where you are, common sense goes a long way in preventing the possibility of becoming a crime victim. The following safety tips should be kept in mind at all times:

Protecting Your Personal Property

  • Always secure your purse or backpack; never leave belongings
  • Park in well-lighted areas away from shrubbery and other obstructions. Lock your vehicle, and take your keys with you. Make sure your car’s window vents are secure. Put valuables in the trunk or out of sight.
  • Always have your keys ready before reaching your Before you enter your car, check the back seat. If you spot anyone suspicious, call Campus Police at 310-434-4300, or use a campus emergency phone to seek help.
  • To prevent car theft, consider using an ignition bypass switch or a steering wheel locking Car alarms are not recommended because they are often activated accidentally. If an unattended alarm goes off while your car is in a campus parking area, your car can be towed and impounded immediately. On the city streets, your car can be towed within 15 minutes. If your car is towed, you will have to pay a fee to reclaim it.

Making Yourself Less Vulnerable

  • Attackers prefer passive Project a positive, assertive body language. Know where you are going, and walk confidently. Take a good look at people around you and passing alongside you. Be alert.
  • At night, walk with a friend or in a group, or use the campus escort To request an escort, call Campus Police.
  • Choose well-lighted, well-traveled streets and walkways. If followed, walk or run to a safe place. Avoid isolated and poorly lighted If you must walk alone, be alert and aware of your surroundings. If you sense a dangerous situation, avoid it or leave it.
  • Never hitchhike or accept a ride from a Never give a ride to a stranger or casual acquaintance. If you use a bus, sit near the driver. Know your schedule in advance. Use well-lighted and well-used bus stops.
  • If you walk or bike regularly to campus, choose well- lighted and populated areas. Vary your routes so that you are not predictable. Be aware of businesses that are open and other potentially safe places.

Bicycles, Motorcycles, Mopeds, Skateboards, and Skates

In the interests of campus security, safety, and noise control:

  1. Bicycles, motorcycles, and mopeds must be parked in designated
  2. Bicycles parked outside the designated areas may not be parked in any area that would interfere with pedestrian safety, handicapped access, or the performance of duties by the College’s gardeners and/ or custodians.
  3. Bicycles, motorcycles, and mopeds may not be taken inside of Bicycles secured improperly are subject to impound by Campus Police.
  4. Riding motorcycles, mopeds, and bicycles on pedestrian walkways is strictly prohibited.
  5. The use of skateboards, roller skates, and roller blades is prohibited on campus.