The parents may obtain directory information at the discretion of the institution, and non-directory information only with either the consent of the student in writing or by demonstrating legal authority and that the child is a dependent. After age 18, these rights devolve to the students themselves. Grades, student IDs, social security numbers, disciplinary records, GPAs, and the like should not be considered “directory information,” and therefore, should not be disclosed.įor kids under 18, the parents generally have a right of both access to the student records and to exercise FERPA rights on behalf of the student. It gives students, former students, auditing students, and others, certain privacy rights with respect to personally identifiable educational records.įERPA defines educational records as any records maintained by an educational agency, institution, or person acting for such that can identify a student on an individual level.ĭirectory information refers to information contained in an education record of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed (such as grade level or field of study). It was designed to protect both the privacy and security of certain kinds of educational records. FERPA stands for the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
