So, what exactly is the difference between JoePa and FERPA?

The question has appeared on the news section of ANGEL, Penn State's course management system, and various other Penn State news sources for the last few weeks.

Though many students know exactly who JoePa is, they probably have no idea what the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is.

But after a panel, including Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Philip Burlingame and representatives from Penn State President Graham Spanier's office, reviewed Penn State's compliance with the law last week, administrators decided that they need to step up their educational efforts about it.

And it's a good thing that they do. Because FERPA has a big effect on students' educational lives.

FERPA basically tells students that they have the right to fair and accurate educational records. It gives you the right to know your grades and other information. It gives you the right to dispute inaccuracies.

And it states that, generally, no one but you has the right to look at the records without your consent.

If you're a minor, these rights belong to your parents. But once you turn 18, they rights belong to you.

Most students' interaction with FERPA might be limited to knowing your parents can't find out about that D you got last semester without your permission.

In more serious circumstances, however, it's critical to know how FERPA's protections apply to you. For example, FERPA limits the situations in which the university can disclose information about a student's disciplinary record, although there are a number of exceptions.

Educational records can affect your future success in higher education and in careers, and all students should make sure they're in control of that information.

So when the university starts harping about FERPA over the next few weeks, it might be a good idea to pay attention. And check out the University Registrar's Web site, www.registrar.psu.edu/ if you want more information.

For the sake of your own future, make sure you know what both of the 'Pas are.