FERPA and Student Privacy

student with parent

FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 helps protect the privacy of student records. The Act provides for the right to inspect and review educational records, to seek to amend those records, and to limit disclosure of information from the records. The Act applies to all institutions that are the recipients of federal funding.

Students who are currently enrolled or formerly enrolled, regardless of their age or parental dependency status, are protected. FERPA does not apply to deceased students or persons who have applied, but have not attended the university.

Authorization to Release Information

Students may give consent for their designated persons (parents or legal guardians) to access their student financial account. Review the guide on how to provide Authorization to Release Information [pdf] and allow the Bursar's Office to disclose student record information as prescribed by FERPA.

For more detailed information about FERPA and the Solomon Amendment, visit the Office of the Registrar.