Navigating FERPA: A Guide for College Parents and Students

Sep 17

As your child embarks on their college journey, you may find yourself facing an unexpected challenge: limited access to their educational information. This is due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. While FERPA is crucial for safeguarding student privacy, it can sometimes create frustration for well-meaning parents. In this article, we'll explore FERPA, its implications, and how you can work within its framework to support your college student.

Understanding FERPA: The Basics

FERPA, enacted in 1974, gives students the right to access their education records, request amendments, and control the disclosure of their personal information. Once a student turns 18 or enters a postsecondary institution, regardless of age, all rights under FERPA transfer from the parent to the student.

This means that colleges cannot disclose information about grades, financial aid, disciplinary records, or other protected information without the student's consent. According to the U.S. Department of Education, FERPA applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.

The Parent's Role Under FERPA

As a parent, you might feel sidelined by FERPA, but it's important to remember that the law aims to promote student independence and privacy. However, there are still ways to stay involved:

Encourage Open Communication: Foster a relationship with your child where they feel comfortable sharing information about their academic progress voluntarily.
Understand FERPA Exceptions: In certain situations, such as health and safety emergencies, schools may disclose information without student consent.
Explore FERPA Waivers: Students can grant permission for their records to be shared with parents through a FERPA waiver.

FERPA Waivers: A Potential Solution

Many colleges offer FERPA waivers, allowing students to grant their parents access to specific educational records. According to College Parent Central, these waivers can be an excellent way for parents to stay informed while respecting their child's growing independence.

It's crucial to have an open discussion with your student about whether a FERPA waiver is appropriate for your family. Remember, the decision to sign a waiver should ultimately be the student's choice.

You can get your FERPA waiver as a member of College Parents of America.

Balancing Support and Independence

While FERPA may seem like a barrier, it's an opportunity to adapt your parenting style to support your child's growth into adulthood. Here are some strategies:

Encourage your student to advocate for themselves and solve problems independently.
Discuss the importance of academic responsibility and time management.
Be a supportive listener without immediately trying to fix every problem.

Additional Resources

To deepen your understanding of FERPA, consider exploring these resources:

The Protecting Student Privacy website offers comprehensive guidance, including training modules like "FERPA 101" and "FERPA 201".
The FERPA and HIPAA Guidance document clarifies the intersection of these two important privacy laws.
From a historical perspective, "A Byte at the Apple: Rethinking Education Data for the Post-NCLB Era" provides insights into FERPA's evolution and intent.

Conclusion

While FERPA may initially seem like a roadblock, it's an important step in your student's journey to adulthood. By understanding the law, exploring options like FERPA waivers, and adjusting your approach to support, you can navigate this new phase of parenting successfully. Remember, the goal is to foster independence while maintaining a supportive relationship with your college student.