Understanding FERPA: A Guide for Parents of Incoming College Students
As your child prepares to embark on their college journey, there are many important details to understand, one of which is the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Knowing what FERPA is, what it entails, and how it affects you and your student is crucial for navigating the college experience smoothly.
What is FERPA?
FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Once a student turns 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level, these rights transfer from the parents to the student. This means that colleges cannot release education records to parents without the student's consent.
What Happens if Students Don't Waive Their FERPA Rights?
If your student does not waive their FERPA rights, you will not have access to their academic records, financial information, or other education-related details without their explicit permission. This can include:
Grades
Course schedules
Disciplinary records
Financial aid information
Without access, you may not be able to assist directly with academic issues, financial questions, or other concerns. It’s essential to have an open conversation with your student about the implications of their decision.
Understanding the Differences Between FERPA in High School and College
As your child transitions from high school to college, understanding how the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) applies differently at each educational level is crucial. FERPA is a federal law that governs the privacy of student education records, but its implementation changes significantly once a student reaches college. Here’s a breakdown of these differences and what they mean for you and your student.
FERPA in High School
Who Holds the Rights? In high school, the rights under FERPA are primarily held by the parents or guardians of the student. This means that parents generally have the right to access their child's education records, which include grades, disciplinary records, and other personal information.
Access to Records:
Parental Access: Parents can typically access and review their child's education records without the student's consent.
Disclosure: Schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student to release any information from a student's education record. However, there are exceptions, such as when records are needed for safety reasons or to other schools to which the student is transferring.
Communication:
Schools usually keep parents informed about academic progress, attendance, disciplinary actions, and other educational matters.
FERPA in College
Who Holds the Rights? In college, the rights under FERPA transfer from the parents to the student once they turn 18 or enroll in a postsecondary institution, regardless of age. This means that students are considered responsible for their own education records.
Access to Records:
Student Control: College students have the sole right to access their education records and must provide written consent for anyone else, including parents, to access this information.
Limited Parental Access: Without a signed release from the student, parents do not have the right to access grades, financial information, or disciplinary records.
Exceptions:
Health and Safety: Schools can disclose records without consent to protect the health or safety of the student or others.
Dependent Students: Colleges may share information with parents if the student is a dependent for tax purposes, though this is not mandatory.
Disciplinary Action: Schools may notify parents if a student under 21 has violated laws or policies related to alcohol or controlled substances.
Communication:
Colleges communicate directly with students about their academic progress, responsibilities, and rights.
Parents are encouraged to discuss with their student how they can stay informed about their academic journey.
What Parents Should Know
Waiver of Rights:
Students can choose to sign a FERPA waiver that grants parents access to their education records. This is often done through the college’s registrar or student services office.
Discuss with your student whether they are comfortable signing such a waiver and under what conditions.
By understanding the differences in how FERPA is applied in high school versus college, parents can better support their student’s transition to higher education and foster a healthy balance of independence and guidance.
