What is the role of the Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO)?

The Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO) plays a critical role in enforcing the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations. FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records, and the FPCO is responsible for ensuring that educational institutions comply with these regulations. This includes overseeing the rights of students and parents concerning access to educational records, as well as ensuring the confidentiality of those records.

The FPCO provides guidance, investigates complaints related to FERPA violations, and has the authority to impose consequences on institutions that do not comply with FERPA requirements. This enforcement aspect is essential for maintaining the integrity of student information and upholding privacy rights in the educational sector, which directly aligns with the core purpose of the FPCO.