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Release of Academic Records for a Deceased Student

Section:300
Section Title:Academic
Policy Number:300-L1
Policy Name:Release of Academic Records for a Deceased Student
Approval Authority:Provost/VP for Teaching, Learning & Growth
Responsible Executive:Provost/VP for Teaching, Learning & Growth
Responsible Unit:Office of the Provost
Date Adopted:May 2023

Policy

Policy

Ramapo College of New Jersey will release academic information related to a deceased current or former student or alumnus of the College only under certain circumstances.

Reason for Policy

To protect the confidentiality of academic information upon the death of a former or current student or alumnus of Ramapo College of New Jersey.

To Whom Does the Policy Apply

Any current student, former student or alumnus of Ramapo College of New Jersey

Related Documents

Procedure

Contacts

Office of the Provost: 201-684-7532

Office of the Registrar: 201-684-7695

Procedure

According to FERPA, the privacy interests of an individual expire with that individual’s death. The Family Privacy Compliance Office (FPCO) of the federal Department of Education, however, has determined that the disposition of records held by an institution pertaining to a deceased eligible student is a matter of institutional policy and/or state law.

It is the policy of Ramapo College of New Jersey that the academic records of deceased students or alumni are closed and no records of deceased students or alumni will be released to third parties after the date of death, unless specifically authorized by the executor, administrator, or legal representative of the deceased’s estate The College may release records without such authorization should there be a need to conduct official College business.

The person requesting a deceased student’s transcript must request the transcript in writing to the Office of the Registrar and provide the following information:

  • Student’s name (and former names, if applicable)
  • Student’s date of birth
  • Death certificate
  • Executor statement or power of attorney in English
  • Court order or subpoena, if applicable

Unless required by law, final determinations regarding the disclosure of academic records of, or other information pertaining to, deceased students or alumni is at the discretion of Ramapo College of New Jersey. Ramapo College of New Jersey reserves the right to deny the request in whole or to release only part of the academic records that are requested.