technology, leadership, and FERPA in the university

When dealing with technology and a university, a vision of the future is needed to support the students, researchers, administrators, and general public. The vision of a university is to offer a wider array of educational opportunities to support the needs of the students, using emerging technologies to enhance the students’ learning environment, creating a group of alumni that can operate in a culturally diverse arena, allowing students to see how research at the university enhances society as well as their education, and expanding higher education access to a greater percentage of minorities. This vision allows the board of trustees and upper administration to focus on projects that will enhance a university. By adhering to the vision statement, the administration can show goals to potential donors and raise awareness of future needs of the university.
Part of this process is to provide training to all employees. Training needs to be mandatory and take place in an online format, allowing all personnel equal access, no matter their location. In addition to this training, employees working with student records must be knowledgeable about the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, known as the Buckley Amendment. FERPA must become second nature to all university personnel.