Online Learning Student Privacy

Online Learning Student Privacy

Family Educational Rights of Privacy Act (FERPA)

All students enrolled at West Georgia Technical College, regardless of the mode of instruction (web-enhanced, hybrid, or online), are protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). Students are notified of their FERPA rights during new student orientation, and the information is published on the West Georgia Technical College website, and the West Georgia Technical College Student Handbook and Catalog. In addition, there is an annual notification sent to all students. To ensure that faculty and staff understand and carry out the commitments to confidentiality, integrity, and security of student academic records, West Georgia Technical College requires annual FERPA training. In addition to FERPA, West Georgia Technical College has advanced measures for distance education student privacy protection.

Secure Login

West Georgia Technical College uses Blackboard Learn, a learning management system (LMS) that allows students to access distance education classes. Students use their Single-Sign-On credentials which are automatically generated in the Banner system. All users of the college’s learning management system are responsible for maintaining the security of usernames, passwords, and any other access credentials assigned. The credentials may not be shared or given to anyone, for any reason, other than to the user to whom they were assigned. Users are responsible for any and all uses of their account. Students and faculty may change their password at any time if they feel their credentials have been compromised.