Understanding FPCO Investigations: What Triggers an Investigation?

In order for the Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO) to investigate a complaint regarding the improper disclosure of personally identifiable information (PII), certain conditions must be met.

First and foremost, the complaint must be timely, meaning it has to be filed within a time frame specified by the FPCO's regulations.

However, neither Alicia's age nor any involvement of her family members are required criteria for FPCO to proceed with an investigation. The crucial requirement is that the case pertains to a potential violation of laws or regulations that protect the privacy of students' education records, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

FERPA regulations dictate that schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student (students over 18 or attending a post-secondary institution) to release any information from a student's education record. If Alicia believes that there has been non-compliance with FERPA requirements regarding the handling of her PII, she can file a complaint, and the FPCO has authority to investigate the allegation. This does not necessarily involve family members unless the complaint specifically relates to their PII as well.