Northern Arizona University

Can you tell me more about FERPA?

According to FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, also known as the Buckley Amendment), college students are considered responsible adults and are allowed to determine who will receive information about them. Under this law, parents who want to receive a copy of their student’s academic or financial records can do so if their student signs a release form.  

How can I get a copy of my student’s grades?

The quickest, easiest way for parents to receive information about their child’s grades, financial statement, or other student information is for the student to provide it. Students can look up information online, print it off, and give or e-mail a copy to their parents. Student records are available to students on the LOUIE Web site. 

If I’m paying for my child’s education, why can’t I get a copy of his records?

FERPA requires that access to a college student’s records must be granted by approval of the student. There are three ways to get information about your student’s educational records.  The preferred way is to talk to your student.  A second way is to have your student sign a FERPA waiver, which can be obtained in the Office of the Registrar (Gammage Building, #1).  The final way to obtain information is to submit a notarized affidavit indicating that your student is a dependent.  The rules for the affidavit are complex, so please consult an attorney if you choose this method.  Please note that the second and third methods still require parents to submit a signed written request before information will be released. 

Are there release forms that would give me access to grades and financial information?

Yes! The Office of the Registrar has a release of information form.  Your student can get a copy in the office or download one at /enrollmentservices/ferpa.asp.

My student provided me with access to her records during New Student Orientation. Why didn’t I receive a copy of his or her grades after fall term?

The university doesn’t automatically send information to third parties designated by the student. Parents will need to request a copy of the desired information by sending a signed letter or fax. A request must be submitted each time you want to receive protected information.

How can I get copies of the bills for tuition, room and board, and fees? They seem to be going to my student.

Electronic billing is the official means of generating tuition bills to all Northern Arizona University students. An e-mail notification is sent to the student's e-mail address when the bill is ready to be viewed online. Students can download and print a copy of the bill to send to their parents, forward an e-mail copy of the bill to parents, or set up parents and other authorized payers to view and pay the bills online. As an authorized payer, parents can view their student's tuition bills online, view the student's billing and payment history online, and pay the tuition bills online by automatically deducting the amount from a checking or savings account, or downloading and printing a copy of the bill for sending check payments via U.S. mail.

Where can I find out more about FERPA?

The U.S. Department of Education is responsible for overseeing FERPA. See the Department’s Web site for additional information: ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/.

 

Revised 7/30/09