The Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) is a federal law designed to protect the
privacy of student education records. More information concerning FERPA
regulations and confidentiality, can be found on the
Office of the Registrar website.
Graduate Assistants have some responsibilities under FERPA:
Release of Student Records
- With the exception of "directory information," FERPA prohibits the
release of a student's educational records, or personally identifiable
information contained in an educational record, to third parties
including a student's parents without the student's written consent. If
students want you to speak to their parents or serve as a reference, be
sure to obtain permission in writing.
Public Posting of Grades
- FERPA prohibits the use of any personally identifiable information in
the posting of student test scores and grades. This act prohibits the
listing of grades by student name, initials, or any other personal
identifiers, such as a social security number, that would disclose a
student's identity to others.
In addition, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) governs rights with respect to health information.