Western Michigan University Parent and Family Guide
FERPA
What is The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)?
- The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law designed to protect the privacy of a student’s education records. When a student reaches the age of 18 or begins attending a postsecondary institution regardless of age, FERPA rights transfer to the student.
- Parents may obtain directory information only at the discretion of the institution.
Non-directory information (grades, gpa, etc.) may be obtained if the student grants parents authorized user access or by a signed consent form. You can read a summary of this law at FERPA
What information is considered directory information at Western Michigan University?
- Name
- Address
- Telephone Number
- WMU e-mail address
- Curriculum and major field of study
- Dates of attendance
- Enrollment status (full/part time)
- Degrees/Awards received
- Most recent previous educational agency
or institution attended by the student - Participation in officially recognized
activities and sports - Weight and height of athletes
Authorized User Access
WMU students have the ability to grant access to third party individuals to view certain academic and financial aid information. In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), student financial and academic records may not be shared with a third party without written consent.
- Access to this information can only be granted by the student and the student has the right to revoke this access at any time.
- Access to this information is restricted to what is available in this system and has been authorized by the student. It does not allow University faculty or staff to release information.
- Adding an authorized user is considered a written consent that an individual may view certain student academic and financial aid information as well as make payments on behalf of the student.
- For further information on how a student grants this access and how parents can use this access after it is granted, visit the Registrar’s web site
