FERPA

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The FERPA Act: What Rights Do I Have to Information?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 (Buckley Amendment) was enacted to assure parents of students and the students' themselves if they are over age eighteen, or attending a post-secondary educational institution, access to student records and to protect rights to privacy by limiting the sharing and disclosure of their records without their consent.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How can I get a copy of my student's grades?
A: The quickest, easiest way for parents to receive information about their child's grades, financial statement,
or other student information is for the student to provide it. Students can look up information online, print it off, and give or email a copy to their parents.

Q: Isn't there a FERPA provision that colleges and universities can contact parents if a student violates alcohol or drug policies?
A: FERPA regulations allow, but do not require, higher education institutions to provide notice to parents when a student violates federal, state or local laws related to alcohol or drugs.

Q: Where can I find out more about FERPA?
A: The U.S. Department of Education is responsible for overseeing FERPA. See their website for additional information. More information can also be found online.

Download Widener University's FERPA Policy online