FERPA FAQs

1. What is FERPA?

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), also known as the Buckley Amendment, is designed to protect the privacy of student education records. Northland College conforms to the law regarding conditions under which confidential records will be released.

2. What does FERPA mean to students and parents?

In order for the institution to provide access to or release student education record information to anyone other than the student, that student must provide a signed release.

3. Is the student required to sign a FERPA release?

No. Signing a FERPA form is optional.

4. When does FERPA go into effect?

As soon as a student registers for his or her first course, the FERPA rules apply.

5. How long does the signature of the release remain in effect?

The signature remains in effect until the student removes it.

6. As a parent I pay the student's bill, so don't I have a right to academic records?

The student is protected under FERPA and unless there is a signed release by the student, unfortunately you do not have the right to obtain the student's academic information.

7. If the student does not sign a FERPA, what information is available to me as a parent?

Only a limited amount of information defined as "directory information" is available to you as a parent. This includes email address, phone number, home address, and verification of full or part-time status at the college for the current or future semesters. Academic information is not available without a signed FERPA release from the student.

8. Can a student prevent even directory information from being released?

Yes. By signing a FERPA Waiver, a student can remove him or herself from any directory listing. In other words, no one can acknowledge the student's existence at the college.