Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. All educational institutions that receive federal funding must comply with FERPA.
FERPA: U.S. Department of Education Guidelines [English]
FERPA: U.S. Department of Education Guidelines [Español]
What is FERPA?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (also known as the Buckley Amendment) prohibits access to, or release of, educational records or personally identifiable contained in such records (other than directory information) without the written consent of the student or as specified by other exceptions such as subpoenas and court orders. At APSU, a student’s FERPA protection begins on the first day of classes of the first term of enrollment (not on an individual student’s first day of class or registration date).
How does FERPA apply to me as a parent or guardian?
Under FERPA Guidelines, when a student turns 18 years of age or enrolls at a postsecondary institution at any age, all parental FERPA rights are transferred to the student.
APSU encourages parents to discuss their intentions to obtain information with the student and to request that the student creates a FERPA release for a passcode. If this is not practical, the student may complete the consent form and submit it to the Office of the Registrar.
More information on the Parent/Guardian and FERPA
How does FERPA apply to me as a student?
You have a number of rights related to FERPA. You may review the rights related to FERPA, disclosure of information, and what information is disclosed on the page below.
More information on Student FERPA
How does FERPA apply to me as a staff/faculty?
Adhering to FERPA guidelines is important for all Austin Peay State University staff. If communication is attempted from an external source that is not the student, the staff/faculty will have to verify their FERPA code through Web Self Service. This verification will allow the staff/faculty to disclose information related to the student's record.
If there is not a FERPA code on file, staff/faculty will not be allowed to disclose information to the requesting parties related to that student.
Staff/Faculty are required to complete FERPA training and training/information is readily available upon request of the staff/faculty member.
What information does the university communicate related to FERPA?
We send out an annual notification to students of Austin Peay State University notifying them of their rights under FERPA. A copy of the letter we send can be reviewed below.