How may a parent or eligible student file a FERPA complaint with the Department of Education?

A parent or eligible student may file a written complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office regarding an alleged violation under of FERPA.  The complaint must be timely (submitted to the office within 180 days of the date that the complainant knew or reasonably knew of the violation) and state clearly and succinctly specific allegations of fact giving reasonable cause to believe that the school has violated FERPA.