Ask the FERPA Professors

November 11, 2025
  • FERPA
  • Registration & Records
  • Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
  • FERPA
  • FERPA Professor
  • privacy
  • solomon amendment

Dear FERPA Professors,

A clarifying question has come up at my university.  Under the Solomon Act, we are supposed to report degrees earned.  Are these degrees only the ones earned from our institution, or are we supposed to be supplying a list of degrees earned at any institution?

For example, if a transfer student received an AA, are we reporting that degree as well? 

Regards,

Dee Gree


Dear Dee Gree,

In response to your question regarding data sharing under the Solomon Amendment, the Amendment requires institutions to disclose a student's "(A) Names, addresses, and telephone listings. (B) Date and place of birth, levels of education, academic majors, degrees received, and the most recent educational institution enrolled in by the student." It is my understanding that "degrees received" includes degrees earned from your institution and any previous degrees, if known. 

The AACRAO Guide for Recruiters and Student Records Managers,  Appendix 3, seems to have addressed this question by listing "previous degrees (if known)" as student information to be disclosed to recruiters. 

I hope this is responsive to your question.  Please let me know if you have any further questions regarding this matter.

The FERPA Professor

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