Keeping Student Records Confidential

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, or FERPA, is a federal law protecting the privacy of student records and outlining the obligations of an educational institution, primarily in the areas of release of records and the access provided to records. Any educational institution that receives funds under any program administered by the U.S. Secretary of Education is bound by FERPA requirements.

It is important for students, parents, faculty and staff to understand how FERPA regulations govern who may access information contained in students' academic records.