FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)

What FERPA Is & Why It Matters at UW 

FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records at institutions receiving federal funds, including the University of Wyoming. FERPA gives students rights to inspect, review, and control disclosure of their educational records. The Dean of Students Office (DOS) at the University of Wyoming applies the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) only to records that originate from or are maintained by DOS. These records primarily relate to: 

  • Student conduct processes 
  • Behavioral interventions and care coordination 
  • Excused absence determinations 
  • Student support and welfare concerns 

DOS does not maintain or control academic records, including grades, transcripts, enrollment status, or degree progress. Academic records are administered by the Office of the Registrar and other academic units. More information can be found here.  

Student Rights Related to Educational Records

Under FERPA at UW, students have the right to: 

  • Inspect and review their own education records.  
  • Request correction of inaccurate or misleading records.  
  • Control disclosure of their records, subject to limited exceptions. 

FERPA and student records release

Student walking in front of Wyoming Union

What DOS Can and Cannot Release Without Consent

DOS cannot disclose protected education records to parents or third parties without written student consent, except under specific exceptions (e.g., health/safety emergencies or “legitimate educational interest”).  

Typical FERPA Scenarios at UW 

  • Parent/guardian callers: DOS will not provide educational record details unless the student has authorized release.  
  • Athletics/advising offices: Can receive information only directly from the student or through authorized processes.  
  • Law enforcement: Records are not released without consent unless FERPA exceptions or legal orders apply.  

 

FERPA Release Authorization

Students, parents, or external parties seeking access to or copies of education records related to student conduct or CARES case management must submit a formal request through the University’s centralized records request system, managed by the Office of General Counsel.

All record requests MUST be submitted using the following link:
FERPA Request

In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law protecting the privacy of student education records, written authorization is required prior to disclosure except in limited circumstances permitted by law.

Once a request is submitted through the centralized system, the Office of General Counsel will review the request to ensure compliance with FERPA and University policy. If records from our office are required, General Counsel will contact us directly. At that time, we will compile and securely transmit only those records responsive to the request for further review and processing.

The University is required to respond to valid requests to inspect or access education records within 45 days of receipt. Timelines for third-party disclosures may vary depending on the scope and complexity of the request; however, all requests are processed as efficiently as possible following review and approval.

Authorized disclosures are limited strictly to the records, recipients, and timeframe specified in the request. Access applies only to student conduct and CARES records maintained by our office and does not extend to other institutional records unless separately requested and approved through the centralized process.

 

Contact Us

Dean of Students Office

Knight Hall