FERPA
FERPA Basics
The Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.
What is FERPA?
FERPA requires that the student give written permission for the release of “any personally identifiable information” other than general “directory information.” This permission should specify the records to be released, the purpose of the release, identify the party or class of parties to whom the release should be made, and be signed and dated by the student.
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 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 Consent to Release Form Instructions
Students may consent to the release of their student information using the FERPA Consent to Release Information Form in BearWeb.