FERPA
FERPA Basics
Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records
Students' Primary Rights under FERPA
- Inspect and review education records
- Request an amendment to their record for inaccurate or misleading information
- Consent to the disclosure of information contained in their record
- File a complaint with the US Department of Education for alleged violations
What is an education record?
Any record that is directly related to a student and maintained by Baylor, or someone acting on behalf of the institution. This includes all forms of record keeping, regardless of medium.
Who can access student education records?
Generally, schools must have signed consent from the student in order to release information from a student's education record. However, and exception is that school officials with legitimate educational interests can access student education records.
What is a legitimate educational interest?
Legitimate educational interest is when a school official requires a student's education record in the course of performing his or her duties for the University. A way to evaluate for legitimate educational interest is to ask if the school official has a legitimate need to know the requested information.
If ever in doubt, contact the Office of the Registrar with questions.
Phone: (254) 710-1181
Registrar@baylor.edu
Additional FERPA Resources
FERPA Policy
Information about the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
FERPA Quick Guide for Faculty/Staff
A brief overview of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
FERPA Annual Notification for Students
The annual notification covering student rights related to educational records
FERPA Disclosure Consent Form
Student's FERPA Disclosure Consent Form to release Academic Records (Grades, GPA, Registration, Transcripts, etc.) Please note: such information cannot be released over the phone.