Dear FERPA Professors,
I am a new Registrar, and the dean is asking me to indicate on a transcript if a student has been dismissed either for academic or disciplinary reasons. In our state registrar group, many have indicated that AACRAO suggests not putting this information on a student transcript, but to keep in on the student file. If this information exists, where can I find documentation to take back to the dean?
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Doc U. Mentor
Dear Doc U. Mentor,
You may be referring to the discussion on this issue in the AACRAO 2012 FERPA Guide. On page 27 of the guide, it states the following:
“FERPA does not address what information a school may or may not maintain or print on a transcript. Thus, the institution can decide whether or not to include behavioral issues on a student’s transcript. Any information appearing on a transcript must be protected and/or disclosed in compliance with FERPA.”
I am not aware of any further guidance issued by AACRAO regarding the inclusion of disciplinary/behavioral information on transcripts. I hope this helps.
The FERPA Professor
AACRAO members, send your questions to the FERPA Professor at communications@aacrao.org.
Get the Addendum to the 2012 Guide, “Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Student Privacy Under FERPA: An Addendum to the AACRAO 2012 FERPA Guide,” from the AACRAO Bookstore.
Register for the new webinar series “Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Student Privacy Under FERPA – A Six-Part Webinar Series” running from August 2026 to January 2027.
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