Download the FERPA Authorization to Release Information

Federal Educational Rights & Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) is a federal regulation guaranteeing the privacy of certain aspects of student records. It is also known as the Buckley Amendment, after its principal sponsor, Senator James Buckley, of New York.  Under FERPA, student records can not be released without permission of the student, except under certain exceptions (such as a court order or if the release of such records is for public safety concerns). It provides students with the right to privacy of their records, the right to challenge something in their student records, and the right to review and release their own records. However, FERPA allows the unrestricted release of "directory information".

FERPA was written specifically for students and guarantees them three primary rights:

• The right to inspect and review education records.
• The right to seek to amend educational records.
• The right to have some control over the disclosure of information from those educational records.

What it does not guarantee is the absolute right to hide all records from everyone. For example, information designated as directory information can be released without student consent, as long as the student has not "opted out" of the directory.

Saint Elizabeth University defines the following as directory information:

• Name
• Enrollment status
• Curriculum
• Dates of attendance
• Degrees received

If a student desires to have any or their entire directory information blocked from release, a request in writing must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar. A form blocking release of all information may be obtained in the Registrar's Office. This form will be in effect until the student separates from the college or revokes the form.

Once a child attains the age of 18, or is enrolled at a "post-secondary institution", parents lose their right of access to their children's records. In non-emergency situations, the student must authorize the Saint Elizabeth University to release the information to their parents. A form is available in the Registrar's Office requesting the release of information (both Academic & Financial) to anyone they designate. This form will be in effect until the student separates from the college.

More information on FERPA can be obtained from the US Department of Education website (http://www.ed.gov/offices/OM/fpco/ferpa/index.html).