What Parents Need to Know
Once a student starts college, their education records belong to them – not their parents. This means we cannot share information without the student’s permission.
This is required by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law that protects student privacy.
Even if you are paying tuition or supporting your student, the university cannot share information unless your student gives permission.
How Parents Get Access
Students can grant parents (or others) access through TruView.
- Students choose what information is shared
- Access can be updated or removed at any time
- Parents will receive an email with login information
///What Parents Can See (With Permission)
Depending on what the student allows, parents may be able to view:
- Class schedules
- Grades (unofficial transcript)
- Financial aid information
- Billing statements and account balances
Students control access to each of these areas.
///What Parents Cannot Access
- Detailed student conduct records (requires an in-person meeting and a signed waiver)
- Any information the student has not authorized
///What Students Need to Do
To give a parent access:
- Log into TruView
- Under the Everday Tools tab, select Personal Information Menu
- Select Parent Web Access Menu
- Select Assign Parent Access and follow the instructions
Note: If your parents are not already listed, please contact the Registrar’s Office
///Billing & Payments Access
To allow someone to view bills or make payments:
- Log into TruView
- Go to Student Finances → Student Account Suite
- Select Authorized Users
- Add email address and follow instructions
Common Questions
“Can I call and ask about my student’s grades?”
→ In most cases, no. We need explicit signed permission from the student each time we discuss their grades. it is much better practice to have your student reach out to our office or call with your student.
“Can I pay the bill?”
→ Yes, if your student has set you up as an authorized user.
“Why can’t you just tell me?”
→ Federal law requires us to protect student privacy.
“Can access change?”
→ Yes, students can update permissions at any time.
Directory Information
At its discretion, Truman State University may provide directory information in accordance with the provisions of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Acts (FERPA). Directory information is defined as that information which would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. Designated directory information at Truman includes the following:
- Student Name
- Telephone Number
- Place of Birth
- Class Status
- Weight and Height of Members of Athletic Teams
- Enrollment Status (including hours enrolled)
- Most Recent Previous School Attended
- Address
- Email Address
- Major Field of Study
- Participation in Officially Recognized Activities and Sports
- Dates of Attendance
- Degrees and Awards Received
///How to Withhold Certain Directory Search Information:
- Log into TruView
- From the Everyday Tools menu, select the Truman Tab Tool
- Select Control Your Online Directory Search Information
- Review and update your options to exclude address, phone, and/or email information from non-Truman sources
A Conversation Worth Having
Every Family handles information differently.
We encourage students and parents to have open and evolving conversations around:
- What information should be shared
- How communication will happen
- Expectations for responsibility and independence
Need Help?
- Students can manage access (and resent passwords!) through TruView
- For technical support, contact the ITS Help Desk
- For questions about access, the Registrar’s Office is happy to help
→ In most cases, starting with your student is the fastest way to resolve access issues.