As a Parent What Information is Available to Me from My Son or Daughter's Educational Records?
Generally, once your student enrolls in a post-secondary institution, whether they are 18 years old or not, they become the sole guardian of all records maintained by that institution. Under federal and state privacy laws, students at colleges or universities have the legal right to control access to information about them. Some information, called "directory data," is public and available to anyone, even parents. Almost all other information such as grades or class schedules is private and, in most cases, a student's written authorization is required to release to a third party private information held by a college or university.
Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1976 (FERPA), the student has the right to access their own records upon written request. The parent or guardian does not share that right. Parents are legally considered to be "third parties" and need their son's or daughter's written permission to access private data about them. This means that parents do not have legal access to their student's grades, transcripts, or any information concerning the Disabilities Services they are being provided through FSU. This information is confidential.
As a young adult, the student may choose to have information about his or her case discussed with his or her parent(s) through signing a release. The release through the Educational and Career Counseling Center and Disabilities Services cannot be a blanket release for the student's entire college career. However, they may sign a written release of information which gives the institution the right to disclose their records to their parents. The only time a student's record may be disclosed without written consent would be to comply with a subpoena or in an emergency situation where the health and safety of the student or another individual is threatened.
