FERPA

FERPA (The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974) is a federal law pertaining to the release of and access to student educational records. FERPA protects students’ rights regarding the privacy and accuracy of education records. 

FERPA applies to all schools that receive funds under applicable programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education. Institutions are responsible for ensuring that all of its school officials comply with FERPA. Failure to comply could ultimately lead to a withholding of funds administered by the Secretary of Education.

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Our Most Popular FERPA Professors Articles

Ask the FERPA Professors

Apr 15, 2024

The FERPA Professor reflects on exceptions in the case of a GAO (Government Accountability Office) audit.

Ask the FERPA Professors

Feb 19, 2024

The FERPA Professor examines the terms "School Official" and "Legitimate Education Interest" as applied to student workers.

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Feb 5, 2024

The FERPA Professor answers a question about a court subpoena and FERPA compliance.

cartoon figure reminiscent of Einstein stands in front of a chalkboard with the board "FERPA" written on it

Ask the FERPA Professor

Oct 16, 2023

The FERPA Professor answers a question regarding "school official" definitions.

cartoon figure reminiscent of Einstein stands in front of a chalkboard with the board "FERPA" written on it

Ask the FERPA Professor

Oct 2, 2023

The FERPA Professor answers a question about releasing transcripts from other institutions.

cartoon figure reminiscent of Einstein stands in front of a chalkboard with the board "FERPA" written on it

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Sep 18, 2023

The FERPA Professor answers a question touching on the practice of witholding transcripts and a students' right to inspect and review educational records.

Photograph of an open book with the words FERPA on it and a gavel in the background.

Calling All FERPA Fanatics

Aug 4, 2023

College & University Calls for Author Contributions to Celebrate 50 Years of FERPA.

cartoon figure reminiscent of Einstein stands in front of a chalkboard with the board "FERPA" written on it

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May 30, 2023

The FERPA Professor answers a question regarding the 45-day requirement and student requests.

cartoon figure reminiscent of Einstein stands in front of a chalkboard with the board "FERPA" written on it

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May 1, 2023

The FERPA Professor answers a question from a higher education vendor regarding a questionable request from an institution.

cartoon figure reminiscent of Einstein stands in front of a chalkboard with the board "FERPA" written on it

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Apr 17, 2023

The FERPA Professor answers a question regarding record responsibility and control at the point of matriculation.

cartoon figure reminiscent of Einstein stands in front of a chalkboard with the board "FERPA" written on it

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Feb 20, 2023

The FERPA Professor answers a question about a possible FERPA violation and a suspended student.

cartoon figure reminiscent of Einstein stands in front of a chalkboard with the board "FERPA" written on it

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Feb 6, 2023

The FERPA Professor answers an interesting question about a situation common for most institutions.

cartoon figure reminiscent of Einstein stands in front of a chalkboard with the board "FERPA" written on it

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Jan 23, 2023

The FERPA Professor answers tough questions about possible FERPA violations, education record definitions, and more.

cartoon figure reminiscent of Einstein stands in front of a chalkboard with the board "FERPA" written on it

Ask the FERPA Professor

Dec 12, 2022

The FERPA Professor answers a question about student consent methodology and practice in the case of a deceased student.

cartoon figure reminiscent of Einstein stands in front of a chalkboard with the board "FERPA" written on it

Ask the FERPA Professor

Sep 6, 2022

Ask the FERPA Professor contributor Dr. Helen B. Garrett provides real-world tips on maintaining compliance.