FERPA for Parents

Anyone can request directory information. The student also has the right to withhold any directory information that they wish to withhold from any third party. A third party is anyone inside or outside of the university who does not have an “educational need to know” the information in the student record as a necessary part of their job.

Under FERPA, parents are third parties, with no rights to the record, although FERPA does include a provision that a parent could access the record if the student is listed as a dependent on their most recent federal income tax form. It is viewed as a matter of discretion as to whether or not the institution incorporates this provision into its policies.

Directory information is information contained in an education record of a student that generally would not be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed.

Louisiana State University has established the following as Directory Information and it may be released to those requesting it unless the student specifically requests otherwise by submitting written notification to the Office of the University Registrar.

• Student’s name, local address, and telephone number
• Student’s home address
• Student’s e-mail address
• Student’s major field of study/classification
• Student’s participation in officially recognized activities and sports; weight and height of members of athletic teams
• Dates of student’s attendance*
• Degrees, awards, and honors received by student*
• The most recent previous educational institution attended by the student
  
  *Please note that enrollment and degree verification are processed via the National Student Clearinghouse and may require a fee for release.

Louisiana State University will not disclose any other information without written consent from the student, with some exceptions as provided by FERPA.

Students have the right to refuse the disclosure of personally identifiable information as directory information subject to other overriding provisions of law. To withhold directory information, students must fill out the Request to Prevent Disclosure of Information form located in the Office of the University Registrar, Room 112, Thomas Boyd Hall.

If a student has chosen to restrict the release of directory information, NO information can be released without further written permission of the student. Should someone inquire about an individual who has restricted the release of his/her directory information, the appropriate faculty/staff response is, “I am sorry, I do not have any information on any such person.”

For more information concerning the privacy rights of students, please refer to the official university policy statement, PS-30: Student Privacy Rights.

At the post-secondary level, parents have no inherent right to access or inspect their son’s or daughter’s educational records, regardless of age, unless granted in writing by the student or the student is a dependent as defined by the IRS. The right of access is limited solely to the student.

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, or the student is a dependent as defined by the IRS.

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.