FERPA for Parents

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, known as FERPA, is a federal law that protects a student's education records, such as personal information, grades, enrollment records, and class schedules. The student has specific rights as an enrolled student regarding the release of these records and FERPA requires that institutions adhere strictly to these guidelines. These rights include:

  • The right to see the information the institution is keeping on you
  • The right to seek an amendment to your record and, in certain cases, append a statement to the record
  • The right to consent to the disclosure of your records
  • The right to file a complaint with the FERPA office in Washington D.C.

Special Exceptions

Generally, schools must have written permission from the student to release information from a student's record. However, FERPA allows schools to release them without consent to the following parties:

  • School officials with a legitimate educational interest
  • 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
  • Accrediting organizations
  • Compliance with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena
  • Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies
  • State and local authorities within a juvenile justice system pursuant to specific state law

Common FERPA Questions

May I access my child's student records?

At the post-secondary level, parents have no inherent right to access or inspect the education records of their son or daughter. The right of access is limited solely to the student.

May I view my child's grades, exams or academic progress?

Final grades, grades on exams and other information about academic progress are examples of the confidential information that makes up part of a student's educational record. This information is protected under FERPA and parents do not have access to it unless the student has provided express, written authorization.

What about crisis or emergency situations?

If non-directory information is needed to resolve a crisis or emergency situation, an educational institution may release that information if the institution determines that the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals.

Viewing My Parent Center

IMPORTANT! - Access to Parent/Family Center does not give the university permission to discuss your student's academic information with you. This requires a third party parental release form completed and submitted by your student.  Please visit the Parent Center page at Help-UAConnect for detailed instructions on using the Parent Center. 

Who do I contact for additional information?

Office of the Registrar
146 Silas H Hunt Hall
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR 72701

Phone: 479-575-5451

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.