It means the demonstrated need to know by those officials of an institution who act in the student's educational interest, including faculty, administration, student employees, clerical and professional employees, and other persons who manage student records information.

Any school official who needs information about a student in the course of performing instructional, supervisory, advisory, or administrative duties for the University of Colorado at Boulder has a legitimate educational interest.

This includes contractors, consultants, volunteers and other outside providers used by the University of Colorado at Boulder. These include the University of Colorado Foundation and the National Student Clearinghouse.