FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law enacted in 1974 that protects the privacy of student education records. FERPA applies to any public or private elementary, secondary, or post-secondary school. It also applies to any state or local education agency that receives funds under an applicable program of the US Department of Education. When a student turns 18 years old, or enters a postsecondary institution at any age, the rights under FERPA transfer from the parents to the student (“eligible student”).

These frequently asked questions (FAQs) will help clarify the boundaries between high school and college records while encouraging collaboration between parents, students, and institutions. A student must complete the FERPA Release form in the Office of the Registrar in Student Services on the Tarboro campus.

Here’s what parents need to know

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What is FERPA?
FERPA is a federal law that governs access to and privacy of student education records. Once a student is in a college-level course, FERPA rights transfer to the student, even if they are still in high school.
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What Educational Information Can Be Shared with Parents?
College Records:
1. The college cannot share specific details (like grades, attendance, or academic progress) with parents without the student’s written consent.
2. However, general information about policies, deadlines, and services (like tutoring or advising) is considered “public information” and can be shared.
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Who Controls Access to Records?
1. College Records: When a high school student takes a college course, the college cannot share grades, attendance, or other records with parents unless the student gives written consent.
2. High School Records: The high school still controls its own records (e.g., transcripts). These records are protected under FERPA and may be accessible to parents under local school policies.
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Do Parents Have Access to College Records?
1. No automatic access: Even though the student is in high school, FERPA gives control over college records to the student.
2. Parental consent forms: Some colleges offer FERPA waivers or authorization forms that allow students to grant parents access to specific records.
3. If the student does not consent, the college cannot share details about the student’s grades or progress with parents.
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Are There Any Exceptions?
1. Health or safety emergencies
2. If required by law (e.g., court orders or subpoenas)
3. School coordination: The college may notify the high school about course completion for high school credit purposes
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How Can Parents Stay Involved?
1. Talk to your student about sharing information with you. Open communication can help you stay informed about their academic progress.
2. Ask the college if they offer a FERPA authorization form that allows your student to share records with you.
3. Coordinate with both the high school and the college to understand how records are handled between the two institutions.
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What information can be shared with parents if/when a FERPA waiver/authorization is granted?
1. Only information regarding grades, attendance, or academic progress can be shared.
2. A FERPA waiver/authorization does not grant the parent authority to question grading policies, lectures, teaching styles, lesson plans, assignments, test questions, etc.
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Where to Get More Information?
1. Check with the high school to learn how dual enrollment records are shared.
2. Contact the college’s Registrar’s Office for FERPA policies.

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Student Portal Forms

FERPA

FERPA

Here’s what parents need to know

What is FERPA?

What Educational Information Can Be Shared with Parents?

Who Controls Access to Records?

Do Parents Have Access to College Records?

Are There Any Exceptions?

How Can Parents Stay Involved?

What information can be shared with parents if/when a FERPA waiver/authorization is granted?

Where to Get More Information?

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