Accessing Student Records and Information

What is FERPA?

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of educational records. Under this law, your rights as a parent or guardian transfer to your child, regardless of your child’s age.

If students wish to give parents, guardians, or another person access to their education records, they must provide written permission by completing the Student Release of Information Authorization form.

FERPA Standards

• Your student determines who may access all educational records, even if your student is under the age of 18.
• Your student must provide written permission for you to access education records. Records may include:
  • Progress reports.
  • Grades.
  • Status of financial aid file and funds offered.
  • Amounts due to the college for tuition/fees, fines or other charges. Even if you wish to pay the charges.
  • Information regarding appeals.
  • Your student’s current class schedule.
  • Admission, residency status, transcripts, and other applications.
• FERPA is limited to written and electronic records only. Instructors are not required to talk with, meet with, or email parents or guardians, even if your student gives permission.
  • Instructors may choose to provide a written progress report.
  • Instructors agreeing to meet with a parent or guardian may require the student attend the meeting.
  • Bellevue College does not require instructors to monitor attendance.
  • Instructors may not provide information that does not go into determining the final grade for the class.

For questions or concerns about FERPA, or how to access your student’s information, please use the Student Central Online Help Request system.