What is FERPA?

FERPA stands for - The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

As a University of Minnesota Staff member, you have access to student records, this includes student assignments and grades. FERPA is the the Federal law, state law, and regents' policy govern access to student records.

FERPA applies to student educational records, which is defined broadly. Student educational records include information provided by a student for use in the educational process, such as: 

• Personal information (name, etc.)

• Enrollment records

• Student's exams or papers

• Grades

• Schedules

FERPA Tutorial and Handout

Review this online tutorial to familiarize yourself with FERPA and the importance of protecting students' educational records. For a one-page overview of FERPA, view ASR's "FERPA: What faculty and staff need to know" handout.

General FERPA Guidelines

The following practices will help ensure compliance with the various laws and regulations of FERPA: 

• Do not look up information about students unless it is part of your job duty.

• If in doubt, do not give out information. We have 30 days to respond to most legitimate requests.

• Share information within the University only with those who have a "legitimate educational interest." (Those with a "legitimate educational interest" are University employees who have a need to know in order to carry out their defined job functions.)

• Do not post grades or return graded materials in such a way that one student can see or ascertain the grade of another. (See detailed information about safe handling of grading information.)

Public (Directory) Information

The following information is public per Board of Regents policy, unless a student has requested non-disclosure (suppression). If you are unsure, please ask ProStaff.

• Name

• Internet ID

• Email address

• Home address

• Home phone number

• University affiliation (student, staff)

• Dates of enrollment (term, year)

• Enrollment status (full/part time, or not enrolled)

• Home campus

• Registration campus

• Major

• Advisor

• College/department

• Class

• Academic awards and honors

• Degree received

Non-Public (Private) Information

Information other than directory information is not public and may not be released except under certain, prescribed conditions. Non-releasable information includes:

• Grades

• Courses taken

• Schedule

• Test scores

• Advising records

• Educational services received

• Disciplinary actions

• Social security number

• Student ID number