FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of student education records and outlines the rights of students regarding access to their academic information. In accordance with FERPA, students control access to their educational records, regardless of age or dependency status.

Requests for Academic Records by Students:

Students may request access to their academic records in person through the Office of the Registrar. Academic information will not be released over the phone.

• Students must present valid photo identification, as determined by the Office of the Registrar.
• Students may view their academic records; however, copies will not be furnished during in-person review.
• Students may also access their academic records electronically through the College’s website using their student identification number and password on PaineNet.
• To allow another individual or entity access to their academic records, students must complete and submit a Consent for Release of Information (FERPA) Form.

Transcript Requests:

Official and unofficial transcripts are valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.

Requests for Academic Records by Parents:

Under FERPA, parents do not have automatic access to a student’s academic records.

• Parents must be explicitly authorized by the student through a completed FERPA Consent for Release of Information Form on file with the Office of the Registrar.
• All requests must be initiated through the student, who is responsible for adding the parent as an authorized party.
• Academic information will not be released over the phone.

Extenuating Circumstances:

In cases of extenuating circumstances (e.g., death of the student or other extraordinary situations), the Office of the Registrar may consider releasing information only after:

• Receipt of official documentation verifying the circumstance, and
• Presentation of valid identification of the parent or requesting party.

The release of information under these circumstances is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and remains subject to FERPA regulations and institutional policy.

Directory Information:

In accordance with FERPA and institutional policy, Paine College designates the following as directory information, which may be released without prior student consent:

• Name
• Address
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Major field of study
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams
• Degrees and awards received
• Dates of attendance

Students who wish to withhold directory information must submit a written request to the Office of the Registrar within three (3) days after the close of formal registration each semester.