The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), also known as the Buckley Amendment, is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records and outlines who may access them.
FERPA and College Students
In elementary, middle, and high school, parents and students both have rights to access and control the release of education records. Once a student enrolls in a college or university, however, those rights transfer directly to the student regardless of age.
FERPA considers college students to be responsible adults who have the authority to decide who may access their educational information. Although parents often remain involved in their student’s education and may financially support them, colleges and universities cannot automatically release student records to parents.
Accessing Student Information
The easiest and fastest way to obtain information about your student’s academic progress is to ask your student directly.
Students can access most of their information through Truman State University’s TruView web portal, including:
- Grades
- Class schedules
- Transcripts
- Degree audits
- Financial aid information
- Student billing information
Some students choose to share their TruView login information with parents, while others prefer to print or email records as needed. Families may also choose to review records together during semester breaks or other scheduled times.
Requesting Information as a Parent
Parents may request access to student information if the student is claimed as a dependent under Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
Before submitting a formal request, we strongly encourage parents to first ask their student for the information directly. Formal requests should be reserved for unusual or special circumstances.
To request information:
- Contact the Registrar’s Office to obtain a Parental Affidavit for Student Information form.
- Complete the form.
- Attach a copy of your most recent federal tax return showing the student as a dependent.
- Return the documentation to the Registrar’s Office by mail or fax.
Please note:
- Documentation must be submitted each time information is requested.
- Applicable fees (such as transcript fees) may apply.
- Students will be notified whenever a parental request is submitted.
- Please view the Parental Access to Student Records brochure for more information.
Additional Information
Truman State University’s FERPA policy is available at http://consumerinformation.truman.edu.
Questions about FERPA or the University’s procedures for releasing academic information may be directed to the Registrar’s Office at (660) 785-4143.
Additional information about FERPA is available through the U.S. Department of Education at http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/.