New Mexico State University Parent Guide
FERPA
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
Many students are experiencing increased independence, and their success depends on how, when, and from whom they receive support. Though you will support your student, you need to know that your legal access to their records has changed, exceptions being in the case of an emergency involving a student’s immediate welfare.
FERPA considers college students to be responsible adults. This federal law requires that students determine who has access to their NMSU records. As you seek information about student grades, finances, and health, you will find that NMSU must uphold FERPA and refer you back to your student for information. As families often provide financial support to students, they may find it surprising that they cannot access student information. FERPA challenges families of college students to communicate with each other about a student’s business.
NMSU student service offices have found that FERPA leads families to focus on student communication. By working with your student and visiting with them about their new responsibilities, you will be creating a critical communication pathway that can help you work within the FERPA constraints.
