Student Data Privacy Resources for Families 

It’s natural to want to know how your student is doing at college. But unlike in high school, student records are not accessible to family members unless they grant you permission. 

This is because of a Federal Law called Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). 

FERPA sets privacy standards for student’s educational records and states that personally identifiable information from a student’s education record cannot be released to third parties (including parents) without a signed and dated written release from the student. 

Examples of student records entitled to FERPA privacy protection are grade reports, transcripts, and most disciplinary files, among others.

Learn more about student data privacy practices at WSU.

Just because you do not have access to your student’s records, doesn’t mean you are not in the know. The best approach is talking to your student directly to find out how they are doing. While communicating with young adults may not always be easy, the college years are often a period of growth and maturation.

The ability and willingness of students to share information and insights usually grows, especially as they acquire the confidence that comes with assuming greater responsibility for their own lives.

You’ll most likely get a better response if you talk to your student directly, rather than trying to pry. 

Emergency Situations 

FERPA does allow for an exception in emergency situations, and WSU can share information if you student is hurt or in danger. There are also exceptions if your student is a threat or danger to others.

Disciplinary Action

Student disciplinary records are protected under FERPA. The best practice is for your student to inform you about disciplinary charges directly. Students can also authorize the release of all the information in their disciplinary files.

Exceptions for FERPA 

WSU can release a student’s records under specified exceptions. Some permissible instances include: 

• In cases where there is an alleged victim, the final results of disciplinary hearing regarding an incident alleged to involve acts of violence, or forcible or non-forcible sex offense is disclosed to the victim (disclosure required)
• To the public, the final results of a disciplinary hearing against an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense (disclosure permitted, not required) (Foley Amendment)
• To parents/legal guardians of students under 21, if students are found to have violated the alcohol or drug policy of the institution (Warner Amendment)
• Some states have determined conduct records are not educational records and are public information