# data[].attributes.body
Mr. White provided an example of the importance of FERPA. Mr. White had met with a student and put together her educational plan. The student had provided some personal information about her troubled home life. The student requested confidentiality from Mr. White. Later that day, the mother called and was demanding information about the daughter and her class schedule. Mr. White was able to refer to FERPA and maintain the confidentiality of the student and her educational records.

# data[].attributes.body
Throughout my research, one of the main legal issues that came up in a college counseling session, which was also mentioned by Mr. Steve White, was that of the application of FERPA.

The article by Vicki Nelson (2018)discusses the foundation and application of FERPA in the college setting.  Once a student reaches 18 or enrolls in a post-secondary institution beyond high school, educational rights transfer to the student.  The article discusses how a waiver can be signed in order to allow permission to the parent to access records (Nelson, 2018).  Nelson (2018) notes that this rule should be looked at as a way to increase independence among college students.

I agree with Ms. Nelson, that FERPA allows for privacy for young adults as well as a sense of responsibility and independence. FERPA has a clear place in my future career and as Mr. White layed out, it is essential for confidentiality of the student and their records. This is a very important federal law within college counseling and one which I must have a clear understanding of.

# data[].attributes.headline
American School Counselor Association (ASCA)

# data[].attributes.subject
American School Counselor Association (ASCA)

# data[].attributes.body
This organization has ethical standards for school counselors as well as resources for legal webinars and links to state-by-state statues.  While exploring the site I found a webinar on Title IX and harassment and bullying. I was also able to review the ethics for school counselors, which is vital for all counselors.

# data[].attributes.headline
California Community College Counselors/Advisors Academic Association for Athletes (3C4A)

# data[].attributes.subject
California Community College Counselors/Advisors Academic Association for Athletes (3C4A)

# data[].attributes.body
This organization provides workshops and trainings multiple times a year where they review any legal and ethical changes that have occurred related to community college counseling as it relates to athletes.

# data[].attributes.headline
National Academic Advisors Association (NACADA)

# data[].attributes.subject
National Academic Advisors Association (NACADA)

# data[].attributes.body
Legal and Ethical Issues
This association provides articles on FERPA, ethical leadership and decisions, and legal issues. One of the articles I reviewed was on honest advising. It discussed the importance of being honest with your students throughout the process (Williams Newman, 2016).

# data[].attributes.body
Mr. White maintains his legal/ethical knowledge through professional development and attending department meetings monthly where they provide legal, curriculum, and department updates.

# data[].attributes.body
American School Counselor Association.  (2018).  Legal and ethical.  Retrieved from https://www.schoolcounselor.org/school-counselors-members/legal-ethical
California Community College Counselors/Advisors Academic Association for Athletes.  (n.d.).  Retrieved from http://www.3c4a.org/#
California Community College Counselors/Advisors Academic Association for Athletes.  (n.d.).  Retrieved from http://www.3c4a.org/#
National Academic Advisors Association (2017).  Legal and ethical issues.  Retrieved from http://www.nacada.ksu.edu/Resources/Clearinghouse/Legal-and-Ethical-Issues.aspx
Nelson, V.  (2018).  What FERPA means for you and your college student.  College Parent Central.  Retrieved from https://www.collegeparentcentral.com/2009/06/what-ferpa-means-for-you-and-your-college-student/https://www.collegeparentcentral.com/2009/06/what-ferpa-means-for-you-and-your-college-student/https://www.collegeparentcentral.com/2009/06/what-ferpa-means-for-you-and-your-college-student/
S. White, personal communication, June 6, 2018.
United States Department of Education.  (2018).  Family educational rights and privacy act (FERPA).  Retrieved from https://ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html
Williams Newman, D.  (2016).  Honest advising.  Academic Advising Today.  Retrieved from http://www.nacada.ksu.edu/Resources/Academic-Advising-Today/View-Articles/Honest-Advising.aspx

# data[].attributes.body
On Wednesday, June 6, 2018, I interviewed athletic academic counselor, Steve White.  We discussed the five legal and ethical challenges that he faces within his role.  These five challenges are:
1. Confidentiality. Mr. White spoke on how imperative it is to maintain confidentiality between himself and the student.  It is an ethical and legal issue and if confidentiality is maintained, it builds trust.
2.  FERPA.  Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.  Mr. White said that this is one of his main challenges.  Many college freshman bring their parents to their first counseling appointment and Mr. White has to review FERPA with them.
3. Honesty. Mr. White said that he views honesty as a high ethical issue. As a counselor, he must be honest with the student and admit when he does not know the answer. It is a detriment to the student if you pretend to know something that you really don't.
4.  Ethics.  Follow through with all students.  Mr. White said it is important to meet with all students assigned and follow-up regularly.
5. Counseling for eligibility. This is an ethical issue but some athletic counselors often find themselves counseling for eligibility instead of for graduation or transfer. Mr. White said that he must remove himself from the athletic situation and counsel the student as if they were a general student.

# data[].attributes.body
Currently, I work in a large community college in Southern California within the athletics department.  After obtaining my Master's in Education - Guidance and Counseling, I hope to gain employment as an athletic academic counselor at a community college.

I enjoy the community college level because of the impact I can make on students. Many of the students that attend are first generation, under prepared academically, or have unstable home lives. The challenges these students face add to the difficulties of succeeding in college.

Working with athletes has always been a desire of mine. I grew up involved in many sports and activities and came from a sports-minded family. Having working with athletes throughout my entire educational career, I admire their motivation and dedication to their sport and their future academic success.