Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
Who has access to your records?
If you are over 18, the only people who can see your private information are those you permit to. Giving permission means written consent.
What kind of information is kept on file?
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Race or ethnicity
- Religion
- Citizenship
- Gender
- Class schedule
- Grade Point Average (GPA)
What are some examples of permitted disclosures?
Some people automatically gain access to your records when you are a University student. They may include:
- School officials
- Schools you are transferring to
- Specific officials who are auditing and evaluating your grades
- Organizations conducting studies on behalf of the school
- Accreditation organizations
- Officials in health and safety emergencies
- State or local authorities working with a lawfully issued subpoena
People working for the University or law enforcement (in specific cases) can gain access to your records. The confidentiality of your information is important to us, and we promise to respect and defend it.

Section Summary
What is FERPA?
- FERPA stands for Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
- It regulates access to and use of personal student information.
- FERPA covers details like SSN, race, religion, citizenship, gender, class schedule, and GPA.
Who has access to your student records?
- If you are over 18, only you and those to whom you grant permission.
- If you are under 18 or legally a dependent, your parents/legal guardians have access.
- University staff, researchers, emergency services, and law enforcement (with a subpoena) may also have access.
How does FERPA protect student rights?
- It ensures the privacy of educational records.
- It grants students the right to inspect their records.
- It provides a process for correcting mistakes.
- It allows filing complaints with the Family Policy Compliance Office.