Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

Learn about your FERPA rights, how student records are protected, when information can be shared and how to authorize parents, family members or others to access your records.

Understanding FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student records and gives students certain rights over their educational information.

Once a student is admitted to University of Idaho, they gain the right to review their records, request corrections to inaccurate information and control who can access their records.

Educational records can exist in both paper and electronic formats and may include:

  • Grades
  • Course schedules
  • Disciplinary records
  • Student financial records
  • Employment records related to student positions, such as work-study jobs, assistantships and resident assistant appointments

FERPA applies to all colleges and universities that receive federal funding and helps ensure student information is handled responsibly and confidentially.

FERPA at a glance

  • Students control access to their educational records.
  • Parents and family members do not automatically have access to grades, financial aid/billing information or disciplinary records.
  • Students can authorize access to their education records by completing a Consent for Release of Information form using their U of I credentials.
  • In limited circumstances, information may be disclosed without consent as permitted by law.

Common FERPA actions

Your FERPA rights

FERPA affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records.

The Faculty Staff Handbook Section 2600 defines student education records, the custodian of records and who has access to the records. 

The right to inspect and review their educational records within 45 days after request to the university.

A student may request to review their educational records by submitting a written, signed request to the Office of the Registrar indicating which records they wish to review. The Registrar will review the request, make arrangements for access and notify of when and where the records can be inspected.

The right to request an amendment to a record the student believes to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's privacy rights under FERPA.

A student who wishes to ask the university to amend their record must submit a written request identifying the record to be changed and the reason why it should be changed. If the custodian of the record and the student agree that information is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student's rights, the custodian may make the necessary correction. However, if there is a dispute regarding the change, the student may request an Administrative Hearing Board hearing. If the decision of the Administrative Hearing Board is unsatisfactory to the student, the student may request a statement commenting on the information be placed upon the record. If the student believes that the resolution is not consistent with FERPA, they may file a complaint with the US Department of Education.

The right to provide written consent before the university discloses personally identifiable information from the student's record, except to the extent FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

A student must provide a written request to release records which contain personally identifiable information. The written request must include which records are to be released, the purpose of the disclosure, the party to whom the records is to be released to, and be signed and dated by the student.

The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the university to comply with the requirement of FERPA.

A student has the right to file a complaint alleging violation of FERPA within 180 days of the alleged violation to:

U.S. Department of Education
Student Privacy Policy Office
400 Maryland Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20202-8520

Information for parents and families

As students transition to college, parents and family members often continue to play an important role in supporting their success. However, once a student is admitted to the university, FERPA gives the student control over access to their educational records.

University employees may only share protected student information when the student has provided written authorization or a FERPA exception applies.

Authorize someone to access your information

If you would like a parent, spouse or another individual to discuss your records with the university, you must provide authorization through a FERPA Release of Information form.

Option 1: Ongoing access

Authorize a designated individual to discuss your educational records with university representatives on an ongoing basis. This authorization remains in effect until you revoke it.

To submit an authorization:

Option 2: One-time record release

Authorize the release of specific records to a designated individual. A new request must be submitted each time you would like records released.

Share billing information with a parent or family member

Students can authorize parents, family members or other individuals to access billing information through MyUI.

Learn how to add an authorized user

Directory information

Directory information are those items contained in the education record of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy. The items considered directory are: 

  • Basic information
    • Student's name
    • Individual photograph or electronic image
    • Local address and telephone number
    • Permanent address and telephone number
    • Email address
  • Academic information
    • Class
    • Academic major
    • College
    • Full-time or part-time status
    • High schools and other academic institutions attended
    • Withdrawal date
    • Degree earned and date is was conferred
    • Dates of attendance
  • Recognition and activities information
    • Heights and weights of members of athletic teams
    • Specific athletic achievements
    • Letters of commendation
    • Academic and other honors
    • Scholarships awarded
    • Leadership positions in university organizations 

Students who wish to request confidentiality of their directory information may do so by submitting a Confidentiality Request Form (PDF) to the Registrar's Office via your student email or via the online form (requires U of I student credentials to access). Students who request confidentiality will not appear in the Campus Directory.

Common FERPA questions

Can my parents see my grades?

Generally, no. Once you are admitted to University of Idaho, FERPA gives you control over access to your educational records. Your grades may only be shared with your parents if you provide written consent or another FERPA exception applies.

Can my parents discuss my financial aid with the university?

Not automatically. University employees may only discuss your financial aid information with parents or family members if you have authorized access through a FERPA Release of Information form or another FERPA exception applies. 

Can professors discuss my academic performance with my parents?

No. Faculty members cannot discuss your grades, academic progress or other protected educational records with your parents without your consent. 

Can I give my parents access to some information but not everything?

Yes. You control who can access your educational records and what information may be shared. A FERPA Release of Information form allows you to authorize access for specific individuals and types of information.

Can employers verify my degree?

Yes. Degree information may be released as directory information unless you have requested confidentiality through the Registrar's Office.

Can I see what information the university has about me?

Yes. FERPA gives you the right to inspect and review your educational records. To request access, submit a written request to the Office of the Registrar identifying the records you would like to review.

What does it mean that students control disclosure of their educational records?

 In most cases, the university cannot release non-directory information from your educational records without your written consent.

A FERPA Release of Information form allows you to authorize access for specific individuals and types of information. 

Are there circumstances when records can be shared without my consent?

Yes. FERPA allows certain disclosures without student consent, including:

  • To university officials with a legitimate educational interest
  • To comply with a court order or lawfully issued subpoena
  • During health or safety emergencies
  • To parents in cases involving drug or alcohol violations when the student is under 21
  • To verify the authenticity of records
  • To organizations conducting approved research on behalf of the university
  • To another institution where a student is enrolled or plans to enroll

These exceptions are limited and are governed by federal law. 

What is directory information?

Directory information is student information that the university may release publicly because it is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy. Students may request that their directory information remain confidential by submitting a confidentiality request to the Registrar's Office.

When do my FERPA rights begin?

At University of Idaho, FERPA protections begin at the point of admission.

What should I do if I believe my FERPA rights have been violated?

Students who believe their FERPA rights have been violated may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education. Complaints must generally be submitted within 180 days of the alleged violation and should be sent to:

U.S. Department of Education
Student Privacy Policy Office
400 Maryland Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20202-8520

I'm a faculty or staff member. Where can I learn more about FERPA requirements?

Faculty and staff can review FERPA guidance in the Faculty Staff Handbook and contact the Office of the Registrar for assistance with questions related to student records, privacy requirements and appropriate information sharing.

Need help?

Questions about FERPA, student records or information releases?

Contact the Office of the Registrar for assistance with:

  • FERPA release forms  
  • Accessing educational records  
  • Directory information requests  
  • Student privacy questions  
  • FERPA compliance guidance

Office of the Registrar

Bruce M. Pitman Center Room 119
Email: registrar@uidaho.edu
Phone: 208-885-6731
Fax: 208-885-9061