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FERPA

 

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), established in 1974, protects the privacy of student records. Students are considered adults as soon as they submit their SIR (Statement of Intent to Register), regardless of their age. At UC Santa Barbara, students are regarded as capable of managing their own records and determining who can access information about them.

Parents are not able to view private information without written authorization from the student. Private information includes, but is not limited to: transcripts, exam scores, physical and mental health records, disciplinary actions, financial aid, and advising records.

Directory information within a student's record, that would not be considered harmful if released, can be disclosed to a third party without the student's permission or notification. This would include information such as: name, major, and class level. Students may request to have directory information kept confidential by submitting a "Not for Release" form to the Office of the Registrar.

UCSB's FERPA Policy and the Federal FERPA Policy provide more information about processes and guidelines regarding student records. Additionally, the Registrar's Office has created a website for students and parents to learn more about this policy.