Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) at a Glance

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FERPA is the acronym for the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Originally enacted in 1974 as part of a bill extending the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, it has been amended over the years since.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of your child's education records. Once your child turns 18 or attends a school beyond high school, you can no longer access his or her records without your child's written consent.

If you want to access your child's Tennessee State University records, he or she must complete the Student Release of Confidential Information Form.  

Without your child's consent, FERPA allows Tennessee State University to release information to you if at least one of these statements applies:

• Your child is considered a "dependent" for tax purposes. You must verify this with a copy of your most recent tax return. 
• Your child is under age 21 and has violated any law or policy concerning the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance. 
• A health or safety emergency involves your child. 
• The information an official is sharing is based on personal knowledge or observation of your child.

For more information, type the search term "FERPA" in the advanced search box at www.ed.gov.

Have Questions?

OFFICE HOURS
Mon - Fri
8:00a to 4:30p ct

CAMPUS LOCATION
Floyd-Payne Campus Center
Suite 305 (3rd Floor)

PHONE
(615) 963-5300
toll free 1-888-536-7655

FAX
(615) 963-5108

EMAIL
records@tnstate.edu

ADDRESS
Office of the Registrar
Tennessee State University
3500 John A Merritt Blvd
Nashville, TN 37209

For additional information about FERPA at Tennessee State, visit our website.