FERPA Overview

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a federal law that protects the privacy of students' educational records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. Students have specific, protected rights regarding the release of such records, and FERPA requires that institutions adhere strictly to these guidelines.

FERPA guidelines protect students by guarding against the release of their records without their consent. Each term, Florida State University publishes information for students and the public regarding their rights and the protection of their educational records under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended.

This document is an educational tool for the faculty and staff of Florida State University. As employees of the university community, we must work together to maintain our students' privacy and at all times remain in compliance with federal law. If after reading this document you have outstanding questions about FERPA guidelines, please contact theOffice of the University Registrar at registrar@fsu.edu.

The Office of the Registrar wishes to thank the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, the Federal Department of Education, and the National Association of College and University Attorneys for their contributions to this website.

Release of Student Information

The disclosure or publication of student information is governed by the policies of Florida State University and the State of Education within the framework of state and federal laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.

The written consent of the student is required for the disclosure or publication of any information that is: (1) personally identifiable of the student and (2) a part of the educational record. Certain exceptions to that generality, both in types of information that can be disclosed and in access to that information, are allowed within the regulations of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as described in the following paragraphs:

  1. Subject to statutory conditions and limitations, prior consent of the student is not required for disclosure of information in the educational record to (or for):
    1. Officials of the University with a legitimate educational interest. A school official is defined as a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his/her professional responsibility;
    2. Certain government agencies;
    3. Accrediting organizations;
    4. Certain financial aid matters;
    5. Certain research circumstances;
    6. Health and safety emergencies;
    7. A court pursuant to order or subpoena, so long as the student is notified in advance of the University's compliance; and
    8. As otherwise provided by law.
  2. Subject to statutory conditions and limitations, prior consent of the student is not required for disclosure of certain types of information for:
    1. Portions of the educational record for which the student has signed a waiver;
    2. Portions of the educational record that are exempted by law including records of law enforcement agencies of the University; employment records of the student within the University as long as the student's employment is not predicated upon his or her status as a student; personal records of instructional, supervisory, or administrative personnel; and alumni records related to that student; and
    3. Records transmitted to another school or school system in which the student seeks or intends to enroll, since the University generally forwards these on request.

    NOTE: More specific information regarding such exempted information can be obtained by contacting the Office of the University Registrar, A3900 University Center. For the complete text of the applicable statutes refer to Section 1006.52, Florida Statutes, 20 U.S.C. 1232g, and 34 C.F.R. §99.1, et seq. or write the U.S. Department of Education at 600 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202.

  3. Prior consent of the student is not required for disclosure of portions of the educational record defined by the institution as "DIRECTORY INFORMATION," which may be released via official media of the University:
    1. Name
    2. EMPLID
    3. Date and place of birth
    4. Official FSU email address
    5. Local address
    6. Permanent address
    7. Classification
    8. Major
    9. Participation in official University activities and sports
    10. Weight and height of athletic team members
    11. Dates of attendance
    12. Degrees, honors and awards received
    13. Most recently attended educational institution
    14. Digitized FSUCard photo

IMPORTANT: The information above, designated by the University as “Directory Information,” may be released or published by the University without prior written consent of the student unless exception is made in writing by the student.

Student Request to Prevent the Publication of Directory Information

Students may inform the University in writing of their desire to prevent publication of such “Directory Information,” or release of such information except as required by law, by accessing the form at Request to Prevent Release or Publication of Directory Information.

CAUTION: Until the University can develop the necessary sophistication in our data systems, a student's request to prevent the release of publication of some of the items of “Directory Information” may result in preventing the publication of all items on that list, including graduation lists, honors, and award lists. The student can help avoid such errors with a gentle reminder to the Office of the University Registrar.

For complete information related to the policies outlined above or concerning the procedures regarding waivers and consent forms, or to challenge the accuracy of the educational record, please contact: Office of the University Registrar, A3900 University Center, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-2480.

FSU Contacts

Kimberly Barber, University Registrar kabarber@fsu.edu

Adam Gregory, Assistant Registrar apgregory@fsu.edu

Records/Data Requests esinfo@fsu.edu

Faculty and Staff References