As your child transitions from high school to college, it’s not just their academic and social lives that change—so do their privacy rights. One of the most important things for parents to understand during this transition is the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law that regulates the privacy of students’ education records. FERPA affects how colleges and universities manage student information, and it shifts control over these records from parents to students once they reach a certain age.
What is FERPA and How Does It Apply to College?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that gives students—once they reach the age of 18 or attend a postsecondary institution—the right to control access to their education records. Prior to that, parents have the right to access their child’s academic records, but when students enter college, those rights generally transfer to them.
While FERPA still protects the privacy of students’ records, it also allows schools to share certain information without a student’s consent under specific conditions. This law applies to all institutions that receive funding from the U.S. Department of Education, including most colleges and universities.
The Key Provisions of FERPA for College Students
As your child heads off to college, here’s what you need to know about how FERPA applies:
Transfer of Rights
Once a student turns 18 or attends a postsecondary institution, the rights under FERPA automatically transfer to them. This means that, even if you are paying for your child’s tuition or living expenses, you no longer have the automatic right to access their education records without their permission.
Access to Education Records
Under FERPA, students have the right to access their own education records. This includes academic records like grades, schedules, and transcripts. While parents no longer have automatic access once their child reaches 18, students are still free to share this information with you if they choose.
Consent for Disclosure
FERPA prohibits colleges from releasing a student’s education records to third parties, including parents, without the student’s consent. However, students can grant permission for parents or guardians to access their records. This is usually done through a written FERPA waiver or authorization form provided by the college.
Directory Information
FERPA allows colleges to disclose what is known as directory information without student consent. This includes basic details such as the student’s name, major, dates of attendance, and enrollment status. However, students can request that the school not release this information by opting out.
It’s important to note that directory information does not include sensitive data like grades, transcripts, or disciplinary records, which remain protected under FERPA.
Why Parents Should Be Informed About FERPA in College
While FERPA may seem like a restriction on access to your child’s academic life, it’s ultimately about protecting your child’s privacy and ensuring that they maintain control over their personal information. Here are some reasons why understanding FERPA is so important for parents of college students:
Protection of Sensitive Information
College students’ academic and personal records can contain sensitive information such as grades, health records, financial aid details, and even disciplinary records. FERPA ensures that these records are protected from unauthorized access and misuse. As your child enters college, they may appreciate having control over who has access to this private information.
Promoting Independence
While it’s natural for parents to want to be involved in their child’s education, FERPA is designed to encourage students to take responsibility for their own academic and personal records. It promotes a sense of independence and maturity as students begin managing their educational journey on their own terms.
Your Role as a Parent
Even though FERPA limits your access to certain information, there are still ways you can support your child. If your child has granted you permission via a FERPA waiver, you will still be able to access essential records. Additionally, maintaining open communication with your child about their academic performance and any challenges they may be facing can help ensure you stay informed.
Helping Your Child Navigate FERPA
Understanding FERPA can be helpful in guiding your child through college, especially in cases where they might need assistance managing their education records or navigating bureaucratic systems. Many students may not fully understand their FERPA rights, so having parents who are informed can help students make the most of their rights.
How Can Parents Gain Access to Their Child's College Records?
Although FERPA restricts the release of student records without consent, there are still ways parents can access important information:
FERPA Waivers
Many colleges offer students the opportunity to sign a FERPA waiver, which allows parents or other designated individuals to access academic records, discuss grades, or communicate with college staff about educational matters. These waivers can be customized to grant different levels of access, so your child can decide how much information you can access.
Emergency Situations
FERPA allows colleges to release information without student consent in certain emergency situations, particularly when the health or safety of the student is at risk. This includes situations where a student’s well-being might be in immediate danger, but generally, it requires the student to be in a crisis situation that calls for intervention.
Discussing Financial Aid and Billing
FERPA doesn’t prevent parents from accessing information related to their child’s financial aid or billing, particularly if they are responsible for paying tuition or fees. However, students must still give consent for their financial records to be shared with others, including parents. Many colleges allow students to set up a separate access point for parents to view billing information.
Key Tips for Parents Navigating FERPA in College
- Talk to Your Child: Encourage open communication with your child about their FERPA rights and the importance of maintaining privacy over their academic records. Make sure they know they can grant or revoke your access to these records at any time.
- Ask About FERPA Waivers: If you want access to your child’s grades or academic performance, make sure they understand how to fill out a FERPA waiver at their school. This is an easy way to stay informed without violating their privacy rights.
- Respect Your Child’s Privacy: FERPA is designed to ensure students have control over their education records. Respect your child’s right to manage their information independently, even if it feels like a big change after years of being the primary contact for academic matters.
Final Thoughts: FERPA and the Transition to College
As a parent, navigating FERPA in the context of college can be a significant change. The transition from high school, where parents generally have greater access to academic records, to college, where privacy rights shift to students, can feel like a loss of control. However, understanding FERPA and respecting your child’s privacy is a crucial step in supporting their independence and educational journey.
By staying informed and maintaining open communication with your child, you can both make the most of this new stage of life while respecting the legal boundaries of FERPA. While FERPA does place limitations on access to your child’s education records, it also ensures that their privacy is respected as they navigate their college experience.
