The transition from high school to college comes with a variety of changes. A significant change is that once you’re in college, you have complete control over your educational records and personal information. This information, which was previously controlled by your parents/guardians until you graduated high school, is protected under FERPA. But what is FERPA and how does it keep your information private? We break it down for you!

What is FERPA?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects a student’s educational and school health care records. This law gives students and their parents/guardians access to their educational and school health care records, the right to make any changes to them, and control over the disclosure of personal information to outside parties. 

How does this impact you?

Once you turn 18 or begin college, your FERPA rights transfer to you. This means that your educational and school health care records, as well as your personal information, are only accessible to you. If your parents/guardians want access to any of these records or information, you will need to provide them written consent. 

This is important because it provides you more privacy as a college student. For example, if you are seen at the college health center or change your preferred name under your personal information, only you will have access to those records.

Check your school’s FERPA policy

Schools must abide by federal guidelines of FERPA, but each may do things a little differently. You can typically find your college’s FERPA policy and guidelines by searching on their website or Googling [your school’s name] + FERPA.

The most common way you’ll interact with your school’s FERPA guidelines is your information being listed in the student directory. Some schools may list students' information on this directory and only omit it if you opt out. Typically, school directories may list the following information:

• Name
• Residence hall/dorm
• Email
• Major
• Enrollment status
• Dates attended

Before choosing to opt out, it’s important to be aware of any unintended consequences. For example, if you are applying for a scholarship and the organization contacts the school to verify your enrollment status, the university will not be able to disclose that information to them. Be sure you fully understand your school’s FERPA policy before making any decisions to have your personal information omitted or hidden.

Have a conversation with your family

Starting college is a huge transition for you and your family! Make sure you have a conversation with them about FERPA and your personal information before you start school. Having ownership over your own information is a small way of learning to make decisions for yourself as you enter into adulthood. How much information you want your parents to have access to depends entirely on you and your preferences. This may be a tough conversation to have, since your parents may feel entitled to your information. However, it’s a necessary boundary to set if it’s the best choice for you.

Who to talk to about FERPA concerns

If you feel your personal information or educational/health care records were disclosed without your consent, or your parents/guardians want access and you do not wish to grant it, start by talking to your academic advisor or your school’s registrar's office to discuss your options.

Have a question around FERPA? Text #College to 33-55-77 to chat with one of our advisors. If you're using a mobile device, click here to have the text message set up for you!