Penn State Office of the University Registrar

Confidentiality

The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 identifies the rights of students and their families with respect to student educational records kept by institutions. The following information provides operational procedures for certain aspects of FERPA-related policies at Penn State.

Confidentiality of Student Records

Confidentiality of Student Records

As part of the requirements of FERPA, Penn State has a policy on the confidentiality of student records.

Student Rights Under FERPA

Student Rights Under FERPA

FERPA defines certain basic rights for students regarding their educational records.

Parent Rights Relating to Educational Records

Parent Rights Relating to Educational Records

In order for parents to view any portion of their students' educational record, the student must provide consent through the delegated access process.

Directory Information

Directory Information

The University may release certain directory information without prior student consent. Students may request that directory information not be released publicly.

Other Exceptions to Prior Written Consent

Other Exceptions to Prior Written Consent

FERPA outlines additional circumstances in which the University is permitted to share information from an educational record without prior written consent.

Confidentiality Forms

Confidentiality Forms

Find the appropriate form related to confidentiality of student records.

FERPA Incident Reporting Form

FERPA Incident Reporting Form

Submit this form to report a suspected FERPA incident at Penn State.

FERPA Guidelines for Faculty and Staff

FERPA Guidelines for Faculty and Staff

Information to help faculty and staff understand their responsibilities under FERPA.

FERPA Guidelines for Researchers

FERPA Guidelines for Researchers

Guidelines to help researchers understand the policies and their responsibilities under FERPA if conducting research that involves data from student educational records.

FERPA Frequently Asked Questions

FERPA Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding FERPA and the University's policy on confidentiality of student records.

Solomon Amendment

Solomon Amendment

Under the Solomon Amendment, the University must fulfill appropriately submitted military recruitment requests for certain student recruiting information that would have been denied them under FERPA.