Student Rights under FERPA

Texas A&M University encourages students to exercise  their rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Inspect and Review
Students have the right to inspect and review their education record. FERPA requires that institutions comply with a request by an eligible student for access to education records within a reasonable period of time, but not more than 45 days after receipt of a request. 

Students who want to inspect and review their education records should submit a written request that identifies the record(s) to the appropriate record custodian, who will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

If the records are not maintained by the custodian to whom the request was submitted, that custodian will advise the student of the correct school official to whom their request should be addressed.

Seek Amendment
Students have the right to seek amendment of their education records when the records are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of FERPA. A student wishing to seek amendment of their education records should notify the appropriate record custodian, in writing, and specifically identify the requested amendment and basis for the request.

If the university decides not to amend the record as requested, the student will be notified in writing of the decision and notified of the student’s right to a hearing regarding the amendment request.

Restrict Records Disclosure
Students have the right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information found within their education record, except when an appropriate FERPA exception authorizes disclosure without consent. Furthermore, students have the right to limit the release of information Texas A&M classifies as Directory Information (one such FERPA exception).

File a Complaint
Students have the right to file a complaint with the United States Department of Education if they believe their rights under FERPA have been violated.

Practical Implications
A student’s review of requested education records can be conducted either in person or in a remote format, provided appropriate identity verification is utilized. When compiling documents for a student to inspect and review, custodians must ensure no other student education record information is included or disclosed.

Record custodians are generally not required to provide eligible students with copies of education records unless circumstances effectively prevent an eligible student from exercising their right to inspect and review the education records, such as when the student no longer lives within commuting distance. Students have the right to a copy of the education record or other arrangements must be made for the student to inspect and review the requested records, such as a remote opportunity or at a school located closer to the student.

If you witness or commit what you believe to be a possible FERPA violation, please notify the Office of the Registrar immediately at (979) 845-1711, ferpa@tamu.edu or Help Desk Central at (979) 845-8300 (24 Hours). The Office of the Registrar will investigate the matter and determine what action, if any, should be taken. If you have questions about FERPA compliance or the release of student information, please contact Rebecca Hapes, Associate Registrar.

For additional FERPA information, be sure to review the Office of the Registrar site for FERPA Forms & Resources. If interested in training related to this topic, please register for the Texas A&M University System TrainTraq offering #11012: FERPA or the Office of the Registrar TrainTraq offering #2114557: FERPA: Implications for Faculty, Staff & Advisors. Individuals within the Office of the Registrar are available to participate in a FERPA question and answer session for any department or college faculty or staff meeting. To make arrangements, please call (979) 845-1711 or submit a request to ferpa@tamu.edu.

If you have a topic that you are interested in being explored in a future Friday Fun with FERPA, please email ferpa@tamu.edu. Alternatively, you can submit an anonymous form with topic ideas HERE.