The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal Law that protects the privacy of students and prohibits institutions of higher education from disclosing any student information, including financial information, without the explicit authorization of the student. In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), Taylor University has established guidelines regarding access to and release of educational records. In short, FERPA allows Taylor to release “directory information” without the consent or knowledge of the student, unless the student has notified Taylor in advance that such information is not to be released. Directory information may include the following:
- Photo
- Name
- Address
- Telephone listing
- E-mail address
- Date and place of birth
- Major field of study
- Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
- Weight and height of members of athletic teams
- Dates of attendance
- Degrees and awards received
- Most recent previous educational agency or institution attended
Parents need to be aware that their student’s directory information is not available to them if the student has requested it not to be disclosed by requesting “Privacy.” Other information about the student, such as class schedule, grades, and student account balance is NOT available to parents unless the student has signed a written release.
For a student to release information such as grades and financial statement to another person, they are required to sign a FERPA form and have it on file in the Office of the Registrar.