FERPA Training
Parental Rights
What rights do parents have under FERPA?
FERPA gives certain rights to parents regarding their children's educational records.
The rights pertaining to educational records transfer to the student
- upon reaching 18 years of age or
- attending any school beyond the secondary level
When may a parent access a student's educational records?
Law allows parental access if the student is claimed as a dependent for Federal income tax purposes
Access is granted to both the parent who claims the student as well as the parent who is not claiming the student if one or the other claims the student as a dependent
The parent must complete the Parental Affidavit for Academic Information (available in the following link or the Registrar's Office) each time information is requested
Parental Affidavit for Academic Information
How can a parent access student information if the student is not being claimed by either parent for Federal income tax purposes?
A parent can have access only if the student is willing to release the information
The student must complete the Student Consent for Release of Records (available in the following link or the Registrar's Office) for each person that is authorized to view the student's information. The release remains in effect until the Registrar's office has been notified in writing by the student
Student Consent for Release of Records
A parent may access student information but may not act on the student's behalf except in emergency situations.