Parental Rights Under FERPA

What rights do parents have under FERPA?

  • FERPA gives certain rights to parents regarding their children's educational records. 
    • Rights 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 student is claimed as a dependent for Federal income tax purposes.
    • Access is granted to the parent who claims the student as long as there are no court orders or other legal stipulations barring such access.
    • Parent must complete the Parental Verification of Student Dependency (available in the Registrar's Office and on this website) for each academic year the student is enrolled.
      The following document can be read using Adobe Acrobat Reader.

      Parental Verification of Student Dependency (.pdf)
       

  • How can a parent access student information if the student is not being claimed by either parent for Federal income tax purposes?
    • Parent can have access only if the student is willing to release information.
    • Student must complete Parental Consent by Independent Student (available in the Registrar's Office and on this website) for each academic year the student is enrolled.
      The following document can be read using Adobe Acrobat Reader.

      Student – FERPA Permissions
       

  • A parent may access student information but may not act on the student's behalf except in emergency situations.