FERPA stands for the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. This federal law was designed to protect the privacy of educational records and to establish rights of students to inspect and review their educational records.
Essentially, this means student academic information including: grades or academic standing (GPA, transcript/warning), registration and classes or financial aid status will not be provided to anyone other than the student. Once a student turns 18, or attends school beyond secondary school, the rights of access to the student’s records transfer to the student. Parents are not able to access their student’s account without a release on file, therefore, we highly recommend students who would like to grant their parent or guardian access, complete the UMBC Authorization to Disclose Information form on-line.
Although many college parents may not agree entirely with this FERPA regulation, we ask that you remember that it is in place for security, as well as a way to increase the independence and responsibility of the student. Communication is key between parents and students to ensure their college experience is a positive one.
Reference: http://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/parents.html
http://www.collegeparents.org/members/resources/articles/what-ferpa-means-you-and-your-college-student
UMBC Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships 