FERPA questions for staff

What information about students may I release to faculty members and other University staff members?   Items defined as directory information may be released without a student's written permission, provided that the student has not chosen to restrict his or her directory information. All other personally identifiable information in a student's educational record is confidential and may be disclosed to appropriate University faculty and staff members only if their normal job duties require such access.  » to top

What information about students may I release to parents?   You may disclose directory information to a parent (as you may to any third party) if the student has not restricted his or her directory information. If the student has restricted his or her directory information, you should respond to any inquiries by saying "I have no information to provide about that individual." Confidential information may be released to parents with the express, written permission of the student.  » to top

What is directory information?   FERPA has identified certain information, called directory information, that may be disclosed without the student's permission. The University has designated the following information as directory information:

• Student's name
• Local and permanent addresses
• Electronic mail address
• Public user name (UT EID)
• Telephone listing
• Date and place of birth
• Major field of study
• Dates of attendance
• Enrollment status
• Degrees, awards, and honors received (including selection criteria)
• The most recent previous educational institution attended
• Classification
• Expected date of graduation
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Weight and height if a member of an athletic team
• The names and addresses of former students who are credited with funds remaining in their general property deposit
• Student parking information  » to top

Do I have to release information from a student's educational record?   FERPA regulations state that you MAY release directory information about a student, but FERPA does not require or compel you to do so.  » to top

Do I have to keep a record of the release of information from a student's educational record?   A record of each request for access and each disclosure must be kept, unless the request was made by or the disclosure was made to one of the following:

• The student
• A school official who has legitimate educational interest
• A party with written consent from the student
• A party seeking directory information only

These records must be kept with the educational records of the student as long as the educational records are maintained by the University.  » to top

May I release confidential information to officially registered student groups?   Student groups do NOT have legitimate educational interest and consequently may not be given confidential information about a student or students without each student's express, written permission.  » to top

What do I do about subpoenas?   At UT Austin, subpoenas are handled by the Office of the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. If you receive a subpoena from an outside agency, you must forward it as soon as possible to that office.  » to top

Whom should I contact with questions or concerns?   Direct general questions to the Office of Institutional Compliance, the vice president for student affairs, or the registrar, as appropriate. Send comments or suggestions to the registrar's office.