As a parent or guardian of a college student, you may not realize that you do not automatically have access to your student’s information such as grades, financial information, and other information that is unique to the student and is not considered “directory information” such as a student’s email address, mailing address, and phone number.
Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), students have the right to privacy of their educational records if they are over the age of 18 or if they attend a school beyond high school level.
Students and families are encouraged to become familiar with FERPA as it relates to Ivy Tech Community College.
Your student may grant parents and other parties access to their educational records by submitting a Request for Release of Information form.
Each of these rights, with any limitations or exceptions, is explained in the Academic Support and Operations Manual, a copy of which may be obtained in the Office of Student Affairs or the library.
At the College's discretion directory information may be provided in accordance with the provisions of the act without the written consent of the student unless the student requests in writing that such information not be disclosed (see below). The items listed below are designated as directory information and may be released for any purpose at the discretion of Ivy Tech unless a request for non-disclosure is on file.
Students may request the withholding of directory information by notifying the Registrar's Office in writing within ten (10) calendar days from the first scheduled day of the term. The request will be in effect until rescinded by the student. The student should carefully consider the consequences of any decision to withhold directory information. Regardless of the effect upon the student Ivy Tech assumes no liability for honoring a student's request that such information be withheld. Failure on the part of a student to request the withholding of directory information indicates the student's approval of disclosure.
In addition, student records are held in security by the College. Transcripts on file with the College from high schools and other institutions of higher education cannot be released by Ivy Tech. A student needing a transcript from high school or another college should request it directly from that institution. The Registrar's Office will assist students wishing to see and review their academic records and student files. Any questions concerning the student's rights and responsibilities under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act should be referred to the Office of the Registrar.
When your child was in elementary and high school, FERPA gave you and your child rights to access and control your child's educational records. Now that your child is in college, these same laws transfer ownership of the records directly to the student. According to FERPA, college students are considered responsible adults and are allowed to determine who will receive information about them. While parents understandably have an interest in a student's academic progress, they are not automatically granted access to a student's records without written consent of the student. Parents are encouraged to consult with the student if academic information is needed. Your child may give permission for parents or anyone else to obtain information about his/her records completing a Student Waiver form at the Office of the Registrar. Ivy Tech Community College does not provide private information or restricted public information (even with consent) over the phone or by e-mail. Photo ID must be shown in order to obtain information about your child's record when there is a consent form on file.
The only way for you to receive information about your child's grades, financial statement, or other student information is for him/her to provide it to you. Students can look information up online, print it off, and give or e-mail a copy to their parents. Student records are available on their MyIvy account. If I'm paying for my child's education, why can't I get a copy of his records? College policy does not include an exception permitting disclosures to parents of financially dependent students. Regardless of a student's age or financial status, the policy does not provide parents an automatic right of access to information. Rather, information may be shared with parents only with the student's consent, in a health or safety emergency, of if the parent can show proof that the child is carried as a dependent on the federal tax return as defined by Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. Will I be contacted if my student is sick or hurt? What if my child is in academic trouble, or facing disciplinary action? In most cases, the College will not contact you or provide medical, academic, or disciplinary information without your child's permission. In the case of an extreme emergency, where the health of your son or daughter is in serious jeopardy, or if there is a concern that he/she poses a threat to him or herself or to someone else, the College may contact you. As a general guideline, if your child is able to communicate about the situation, it is up to him/her to decide whether and how to discuss the issues. Isn't there a FERPA provision that colleges and universities can contact parents if a student violates alcohol or drug policies? FERPA regulations allow, but do not require, higher education institutions to provide notice to parents when a student violates federal, state or local laws related to alcohol or drugs. This information may only be shared with consent, in a health or safety emergency or pursuant to another FERPA exception. Where can I find out more about FERPA? The U.S. Department of Education is responsible for overseeing FERPA. Information can be found on their website.
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