The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.

FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are "eligible students."

• Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student's education records maintained by the school. Schools are not required to provide copies of records unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible students to review the records. Schools may charge a fee for copies.
• Parents or eligible students have the right to request that a school correct records which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information.
• Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to release any information from a student's education record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions (34 CFR § 99.31):

• school officials with legitimate educational interest
• other schools to which a student is transferring
• specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes
• appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student
• organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school
• accrediting organizations
• to comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena
• appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies
• state and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law
• information the school has designated as "directory information"
• disclosure is to a victim of an alleged crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense
• information provided to the school regarding registered sex offenders
  

To obtain the forms necessary to review education records, to request records be amended, or for more information regarding FERPA, visit the Student Services department on campus. Review request and record request forms should be completed and submitted to the director of education. Further information may be found in your academic catalog.

For additional information or to file a complaint, contact the Department of Education at:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-5920

Or call (202) 260-3887 (voice). Individuals who use TDD may call the Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.