FERPA: Parent/Spouse Rights

When a student reaches the age of 18 or begins attending a postsecondary institution regardless of age, FERPA rights transfer from the parent to the student
Parents/spouses may obtain directory information at the discretion of the institution
Parents may obtain non-directory information (grades, GPA, etc.) if
- The student is a dependent for federal income tax purposes
- The disclosure is in connection with a health/safety emergency and knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals
- The student has violated any federal, state or local law, or rule or policy of the institution, governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance, if the institution determines that the student has committed a disciplinary violation regarding that use or possession and the student is under 21 at the time of disclosure
The spouse of a student has no rights under FERPA to access the student's education record without the student's written consent