FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act)

FERPA is a federal law that dictates who does and doesn’t have access to student education records. When a student turns eighteen and/or attends school beyond the high-school level, parents no longer have the right to see that child’s records (grades, etc). In addition, all disability-related information including documentation, accommodation letters, correspondence, and consultations are considered confidential and will be managed in accordance with FERPA regulations. Information like disability status, accommodation requests, and communications with the Office of Disabilities Services is protected and may not be disclosed to third parties (parents), unless the student has signed a waiver allowing parents access to education records. Colleges will make the FERPA form available to families along with other routine administrative documents prior to matriculation.