FERPA

FERPA (The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974) is a federal law pertaining to the release of and access to student educational records. FERPA protects students’ rights regarding the privacy and accuracy of education records. 

FERPA applies to all schools that receive funds under applicable programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education. Institutions are responsible for ensuring that all of its school officials comply with FERPA. Failure to comply could ultimately lead to a withholding of funds administered by the Secretary of Education.

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Our Most Popular FERPA Professors Articles

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.

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

Ask the FERPA Professor

Oct 16, 2023

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

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

Ask the FERPA Professor

Oct 2, 2023

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

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

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.

Photograph of an open book with the words FERPA on it and a gavel in the background.

Calling All FERPA Fanatics

Aug 4, 2023

College & University Calls for Author Contributions to Celebrate 50 Years of FERPA.

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

Ask the FERPA Professor

May 30, 2023

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

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

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.

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

Ask the FERPA Professor

Apr 17, 2023

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

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

Ask the FERPA Professor

Feb 20, 2023

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

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

Ask the FERPA Professor

Feb 6, 2023

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

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

Ask the FERPA Professor

Jan 23, 2023

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

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

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.

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

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 Professors Live


Ask the FERPA Professor with LeRoy Rooker

January 17, 2024

January 17, 2024 | 2:00-3:00 pm ET

AACRAO is taking the well-loved AACRAO annual meeting session favorite, “Ask the FERPA Professor with LeRoy Rooker”, on the road and we invite you to join moderator, Dr. Helen B. Garrett, University of Washington, as she facilitates LeRoy responding to your FERPA questions.  Whether you are new to FERPA or are a seasoned expert, this webinar will allow you to come with your burning FERPA questions and to ask the top expert of them all, LeRoy Rooker.  The format will be a webinar where you can post your questions in the chat and LeRoy will respond.

Additional Resources:

View Recording

Moderators:

photos of Helen Garrett

Helen B. Garrett, Ed.D.

University Registrar, University of Washington

Presenters:

LeRoy Rooker

Senior Fellow, AACRAO