Office of the Registrar - University of Colorado, Boulder

Releasing any Non-directory Information to a Third Party

Regulations » FERPA Training » Releasing any Non-directory Information to a Third Party

Institutions shall obtain written consent from students before disclosing any personally identifiable information from their education records. The written consent must:
1. Specify the records to be released.
2. State the purpose of the disclosure.
3. Identify the party or parties to whom disclosure may be made.
4. Be signed and dated by the student within the last year.

When a student reaches the age of 18 or begins attending a post secondary institution regardless of age, FERPA rights transfer to the student.
Parents may obtain non-directory information (grades, GPA, etc.) only at the discretion of the institution AND after it has been determined that their child is legally their dependent.
Parents may also obtain non-directory information by obtaining a signed consent from their child.

New form developed by the Office of the Registrar. Forms can be obtained from this office, Regent 105.
Allows students to give blanket approval for those listed as their mother and father on SIS the access to their education record.
Evidence of student permission can be viewed on SIS, screen 119, flag 6 (Y).
Check for parent designation on SIS, screen 19 (only those listed as mother or father may be given information from the record).
Verify the inquirer is the parent - driver's license if in person, verification questions if calling.
If no coding exists on SIS, refer to previous methods to release student data to parent:
- Signed release by student.
- Copy of most recent Federal Income Tax Form (IRS Code of 1954, section 152) indicating student as a dependent.
- In compliance with a subpoena.

The spouse has no inherent rights under FERPA to access the student's education record.
Spouse must produce written consent from the student for access to the information.