FERPA
1. What is FERPA?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (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 educational institutions that receive funds from any program administered by the U.S. Department of Education.
Who is Protected Under FERPA?
FERPA rights apply to:
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Students currently or formerly enrolled in postsecondary institutions.
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Rights transfer from parents to the student once the student turns 18 or attends a postsecondary institution.
What Are Education Records?
Education records are those that:
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Contain information directly related to a student, and
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Are maintained by an educational agency or institution (or a party acting for the institution).
Examples:
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Transcripts, class schedules, financial aid records, disciplinary records.
4. What is NOT an Education Record?
The following are excluded from FERPA protection:
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Sole possession notes (not shared with others)
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Law enforcement records
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Employment records (if unrelated to student status)
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Medical records (used only for treatment)
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Alumni records
Additional Information
If you still have questions, please contact:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
(855) 249-3072
[email protected]Additional information regarding FERPA regulations and history can also be found at the following link:
