Cartoon figure reminiscent of Einstein stands in front of a chalkboard with the board "FERPA" written on it.

The FERPA Professors Archive

The FERPA Professor is dedicated to addressing inquiries regarding FERPA interpretation and application for professionals in the field of higher education on a continual basis. LeRoy Rooker, an esteemed AACRAO Senior Fellow, has played a prominent role as the main spokesperson for the FERPA Professor, both in physical gatherings and virtual platforms. The team of contributors for the FERPA Professor comprises:


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AACRAO members, do you have a question for the FERPA Professor? Send your questions to communications@aacrao.org.

Recent Ask the FERPA Professor Articles


  • Ask the FERPA Professors

    Oct 25, 2024

    The professors answer questions regarding the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and how it applies to political campaigning purposes.


  • Ask the FERPA Professors

    Sep 27, 2024

    The FERPA Professor weighs in on the use of A.I. recording in the classroom.


  • Ask the FERPA Professors

    Sep 16, 2024

    The FERPA Professor answers a complicated question involving electronic signatures and the "safe harbor" provision.


  • Ask the FERPA Professors

    Sep 2, 2024

    The FERPA Professor answers a question about who qualifies as a "school official" and information release.



2024 Ask the FERPA Professor Articles


  • Ask the FERPA Professors

    Jun 24, 2024

    The FERPA Professors comments on the definition of a "student" and whether applicants can be defined as such.


  • Ask the FERPA Professors

    May 27, 2024

    The FERPA Professor comments on directory information disclosure in the case of a subpoena, what is required and what is not.


  • Ask the FERPA Professors

    May 14, 2024

    The FERPA Professor comments on the necessity of written consent and information sharing.


  • Ask the FERPA Professors

    Apr 29, 2024

    The FERPA Professor considers appropriate disclosure in the case of a Federal Grand Jury subpoena.


  • Ask the FERPA Professors

    Apr 15, 2024

    The FERPA Professor reflects on exceptions in the case of a GAO (Government Accountability Office) audit.


  • Ask the FERPA Professors

    Feb 19, 2024

    The FERPA Professor examines the terms "School Official" and "Legitimate Education Interest" as applied to student workers.


  • Ask the FERPA Professors

    Feb 5, 2024

    The FERPA Professor answers a question about a court subpoena and FERPA compliance.


  • Ask the FERPA Professors - 50th Anniversary

    Jan 22, 2024

    The FERPA Professor gives guidance on directory information, consent, and disclosures.


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Jan 5, 2024

    The FERPA Professor gives guidance on the case of a breach in treatment records and why those records are no longer exempt.



  • Ask the FERPA Professors

    Oct 25, 2024

    The professors answer questions regarding the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and how it applies to political campaigning purposes.


  • Ask the FERPA Professors

    Sep 27, 2024

    The FERPA Professor weighs in on the use of A.I. recording in the classroom.


  • Ask the FERPA Professors

    Sep 16, 2024

    The FERPA Professor answers a complicated question involving electronic signatures and the "safe harbor" provision.


  • Ask the FERPA Professors

    Sep 2, 2024

    The FERPA Professor answers a question about who qualifies as a "school official" and information release.


  • Ask the FERPA Professors

    Aug 19, 2024

    The FERPA Professors answer a question about the appropriateness of non-directory information release to a student loan servicer.


  • Ask the FERPA Professors

    Aug 5, 2024

    The FERPA Professors answer a question related to faculty requests for data and how that data can be used for legitimate research.


  • Ask the FERPA Professors

    Jul 22, 2024

    The FERPA Professors provide detailed advice for IT departments looking to remain in compliance when issuing password resets.



2023 Ask the FERPA Professor Articles


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Jun 26, 2023

    The FERPA Professor answers a question about the Solomon Amendment and directory information.


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Jun 12, 2023

    The FERPA Professor answers an interesting question about recordkeeping, state law, FERPA, and student disclosure.


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    May 30, 2023

    The FERPA Professor answers a question regarding the 45-day requirement and student requests.


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    May 15, 2023

    The FERPA Professor answers a question regarding class schedules and directory information.


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    May 1, 2023

    The FERPA Professor answers a question from a higher education vendor regarding a questionable request from an institution.


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Apr 17, 2023

    The FERPA Professor answers a question regarding record responsibility and control at the point of matriculation.


  • Live from #AACRAO2023: Ask the FERPA Professor

    Mar 28, 2023

    A series of in-depth FERPA questions answered by LeRoy Rooker "The FERPA Professor" and Dr. Helen B. Garrett.


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Mar 6, 2023

    The FERPA Professor answers a question pertaining to applicants, education records, and institutional responsibility.


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Feb 20, 2023

    The FERPA Professor answers a question about a possible FERPA violation and a suspended student.


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Feb 6, 2023

    The FERPA Professor answers an interesting question about a situation common for most institutions.


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Jan 23, 2023

    The FERPA Professor answers tough questions about possible FERPA violations, education record definitions, and more.



  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Dec 21, 2023

    The FERPA Professor responds to an interesting question relating to the recordation requirement and what to include on student records.


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Dec 8, 2023

    The FERPA Professor responds to a question on information disclosure, consent, and timelines.


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Oct 30, 2023

    The FERPA Professor answers a question regarding legitimate educational interest.


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Oct 16, 2023

    The FERPA Professor answers a question regarding "school official" definitions.


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Oct 2, 2023

    The FERPA Professor answers a question about releasing transcripts from other institutions.


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Sep 18, 2023

    The FERPA Professor answers a question touching on the practice of witholding transcripts and a students' right to inspect and review educational records.


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Sep 5, 2023

    The FERPA Professor answers a question regarding who and what qualifies as a "legitimate educational interest".


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Aug 18, 2023

    The FERPA Professor answers a series of questions regarding directory information, opt-out requirements, and intitutional obligations.


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Aug 4, 2023

    The FERPA Professor answers a question the Student ID and directory information designation.


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Jul 21, 2023

    The FERPA Professor answers a question about non-disclosure requests and directory information.


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Jul 10, 2023

    The FERPA Professor answers a question about providing student records through alternative means.



2022 Ask the FERPA Professor Articles



  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Dec 12, 2022

    The FERPA Professor answers a question about student consent methodology and practice in the case of a deceased student.


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Nov 14, 2022

    The FERPA Professor answers a question about student consent methodology and practice.


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Oct 17, 2022

    The FERPA Professor answers two member questions regarding information disclosure and directory information.


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Oct 3, 2022

    The FERPA Professor discusses allowed technology and possible FERPA violations.


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Sep 19, 2022

    The FERPA Professor student education record disclosure and allowed exceptions.


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Sep 6, 2022

    Ask the FERPA Professor contributor Dr. Helen B. Garrett provides real-world tips on maintaining compliance.


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Aug 8, 2022

    The FERPA Professor looks at what qualifies as an "Education Record" and provides guidance as it relates to FERPA.


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Jul 25, 2022

    The FERPA Professor answers an unusual FERPA request regarding the release of academic records.


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Jul 11, 2022

    The FERPA Professor answers questions regarding Rights of “Access and Review” of Records.



2021 Ask the FERPA Professor Articles


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Jun 28, 2021

    The FERPA Professor answers questions regarding the recordation provision and inadvertent information release.


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    May 3, 2021

    The FERPA Professor answers member questions regarding the recordation provision and dual enrollment.


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Mar 22, 2021

    The FERPA Professor weighs in on "directory information" requests and when disclosure is required.


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Jan 25, 2021

    Are academic advisors' notes considered "education records" under FERPA?


  • Ask the FERPA Professor

    Jan 11, 2021

    Is it a FERPA violation to provide teaching assistants gradebook access?




2020 Ask the FERPA Professor Articles




2019 Ask the FERPA Professor Articles




2016 - 2018 Ask the FERPA Professor Articles

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2013 - 2015 Ask the FERPA Professor Articles

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2015