Understanding & Respecting FERPA: What Parents & Families Need to Know

As your student starts or continues their college journey, you'll naturally want to stay involved in their lives. You may find yourself curious about their new friendships, the clubs and organizations they’re exploring, and how they’re performing academically. While it's completely normal to want to stay informed, college is also a time for students to embrace their independence and take on greater ownership of their academic and personal lives, including managing their own educational records. That’s where the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA, comes in.

What is FERPA? 

FERPA is a federal law designed to protect the privacy of student educational records. During the K-12 years, FERPA gives parents the right to access their student's school records, ask for changes, and control who has access to the personal information in those records. However, when a student turns 18 or enters a postsecondary educational institution at any age, the rights under FERPA transfer from the parents to the student.

What Does FERPA Protect for Students? 

Under FERPA, various types of records and information are protected, ensuring that students maintain control over who can access their private information. These records can include information pertaining to:

• Academic Records: This includes grades, transcripts, class schedules, academic progress reports, and information about academic standing. Students decide who, if anyone, can access this information.
• Financial Aid Information: Details about scholarships, grants, loans, and tuition payments fall under FERPA protection. Students manage access to this information, even for parents or guardians helping with finances. 
• Personal Data: Personal identifiers, such as Social Security numbers, student ID numbers, and contact information, are safeguarded. Students control how and with whom this information is shared.
• Disciplinary Records: Any records related to disciplinary actions or conduct issues are also protected under FERPA. Students have the right to privacy regarding these matters. 

Supporting Your Student While Respecting Their Privacy

The shift from parental access to student ownership can feel abrupt, but respecting FERPA is crucial for fostering student autonomy and accountability. While you no longer have direct access to their records, this is an opportunity to redefine your role and be a supportive ally in their college journey by:

• Maintaining Open Communication: Stay in regular contact with your student about their goals, challenges, and experiences, ensuring they feel heard and supported.
• Encouraging Independence: Support your student as they take on more responsibility for managing their own academic, financial, and personal information.
• Offering Emotional Support: If they want or need to talk, be there to listen! Find ways to offer encouragement without taking over their decisions.
• Respecting Their Privacy: Understand and respect their right to privacy, only seeking access to records if they choose to share that information.
• Collaborating on Decisions: If your student decides to grant you access to their records, encourage an open, collaborative approach by following the university’s process for written consent.

Ultimately, FERPA is about more than just privacy—it’s about fostering growth, trust, and collaboration. By understanding and respecting these guidelines, families and students can smoothly navigate this transition, creating a supportive environment that encourages success and fosters mutual understanding throughout the college experience.

Learn more about Widener's FERPA policy

If you're a student looking for more information on how FERPA impacts your privacy and your rights, check out Understanding FERPA: How It Protects Your Privacy Rights.