Information for Parents (FERPA Guidelines)

FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, is a U.S. federal law enacted in 1974 that protects the privacy of student education records. It applies to any public or private elementary, secondary, or post-secondary school, as well as any state or local education agency receiving funds from the U.S. Department of Education. FERPA grants parents and "eligible students"—those 18 years or older or attending post-secondary institutions—certain rights regarding their education records, including the right to access and review them, seek amendments, and control the disclosure of personally identifiable information.
 

Key aspects of FERPA:

• Privacy of Records: FERPA ensures that student education records are protected from unauthorized disclosure. 
• Parental/Student Rights: Parents have the right to access their children's education records. Once a student turns 18 or attends a post-secondary institution, these rights transfer to the student. 
• Consent for Disclosure: Generally, personally identifiable information in education records cannot be disclosed without the written consent of the student or parent, unless specific exceptions apply. 
• Compliance: Educational institutions that fail to comply with FERPA risk losing federal funding. 
• Consent Process: At Buffalo State University, federal law, state law, and Regents policy govern access and release of student records. These forms must be completed by the registered student as outlined on the Registrar's website.