The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act or FERPA (20 U.S.C. §1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) provides certain rights for parents regarding their children’s education records. When a student reaches 18 years of age or attends an institution of postsecondary education at any age, the student becomes an “eligible student,” and all rights under FERPA transfer from the parent to the student.

FERPA applies for a student when he/she enrolls in a higher education institution at any age. Parents do not have access to student’s education records unless they gain authorization to access and receive information from their children’s education records through FERPA Release in the Registrar’s office.

Examples (but not limited) of information that is FERPA protected:
▪ Grades
▪ Test Scores
▪ I.D. Numbers or Social Security Numbers
▪ Financial Records
▪ Disciplinary Records
▪ Class Schedule
▪Student Employment Records
▪Students’ Exams or Papers

FERPA permits an educational agency or institution to disclose, without consent, personally identifiable information from student’s education records only to school officials within the educational agency or institution that the educational agency or institution has determined to have legitimate educational interests in the information. Generally, a school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record to fulfill his/her professional responsibility.

Public Law 93-380 permits only the release of directory information about a student without the student’s written consent.  All requests for student information from sources outside the college should be referred to the Office of Admissions and Registrar.

In accordance with FERPA, prior consent of the student is not required to release directory information.

FERPA requires the signed and dated consent of the student for the release to anyone (including parents) with the following exceptions:

1. Other college officials within the educational institution who have legitimate educational interests.
2. Federal, State, and local authorities conducting an audit, evaluation, or enforcement of education programs.
3. In connection with a student’s application for or receipt of financial aid.
4. Organizations or educational agencies conducting legitimate research provided no personal identifiable information about the student is made public.
5. Accrediting organizations
6. To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena.
7. In connection with an emergency when such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons.
8. Directory information.
9. Results of a disciplinary hearing concerning a student who is an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence and who is found to have committed a violation of the institution’s rules or policies.
10. Disclosure to the parent of a student under 21 years of age if the institution determines that the student has committed a violation of its drug or alcohol rules or policies.

Personal information shall only be transferred to a third party, however, on the condition that such party will not permit any other party to have access to the information without the written consent of the student.  Official transcripts may be obtained through the transcript clearing house for a nominal fee or in person at no charge.  Students may also request and receive letters of good standing, verification of enrollment, and other academic documentation.  For further information contact the Registrar on campus.