University administrators and registrars often rely on deans and department chairs to promote departmental compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Likewise, such individuals are frequently the first people in the reporting chain when a student believes that a professor has violated their privacy rights. But without sufficient training, faculty leaders are not always certain when and how FERPA restrictions apply to their departments. In such instances, they may also lack the tools to respond to student reports of FERPA violations.
Reciprocity over Hierarchy: Designing and Implementing a Student-Led Reverse Mentoring Program
Many academic leaders, including administrators and faculty members, participate in traditional mentoring programs that prioritize hierarchy. But these programs typically don’t foster engagement and connection between students and faculty or
Marquita Lyons-Smith and Keva Suitte
October 19, 2026
