Student Education Records (FERPA)

FERPA gives certain rights to parents with respect to their children's educational records. The rights transfer to the student when he/she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level (eligible student). The rights include:

• The right to inspect and review their education records maintained by the school;

• The right to request that a school correct records which they believe to be inaccurate or an misleading;

• The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning an alleged failure of the school to comply with FERPA.

For more information, see:

UW’s Office of the Registrar

Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to release any information from a student's education record.  However, FERPA does allow schools to disclose records, without consent, to certain parties under the following conditions:

• School officials with legitimate educational interest, including students serving in an official capacity on University committees;

• Other schools to which a student is transferring;

• Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes;

• Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;

• Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;

• Accrediting organizations;

• To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;

• Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and

• State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.

Schools may disclose, without consent, "directory" information such as a student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. Students may restrict the release of their directory information by completing a "Confidentiality of Student Records" form which is available from the Registrar's Office.  To review the University’s definition of "directory information,” see FERPA: A Student's Right to Privacy:https://www.uwyo.edu/registrar/ferpa/ferpa-students.html .  

For additional information and resources please see:

UW’s Office of the Registrar

UW Regulation 2-205 (Official Student Records and FERPA)

U.S. Department of Education