FERPA: Access to My Student’s Records

12 USI recognizes that families play an important role in student success, and we want to assist you in that role. We also recognize and act in full compliance with the regulations set in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as amended. FERPA, also known as the Buckley Amendment, is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. FERPA applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the Department of Education.

,Understanding USI’s policies may be helpful in discussions with your student. The University expects your student to take full responsibility for his or her education, including the academic policies in the USI Bulletin (bulletin.usi.edu), Class Schedule and the Student Handbook (USI.edu/deanofstudents/code). Parents and families will find it helpful to acquaint themselves with the policies and procedures in these publications and can view additional information at USI.edu/registrar/ academic-records/privacy.

Common Questions:

• Can I access my student’s academic records? • Can I receive my student’s grades or request their transcript? • I pay the bill for my student. Why can’t I see his/her academic records? • My student needs a Verification of Enrollment (for insurance coverage, good student discount, etc.). How can an enrollment verification certificate be obtained? View answers to these questions at USI.edu/registrar/academic-records/ privacy/ferpa-information-for-parents.

Parents may access a student’s education record at USI under the following circumstances: • The student completes a “Permission to Release Education Record Information” form in the Registrar’s Office. This form entitles a parent or authorized person named by the student to obtain specific information upon written request and proof of identity. The student may rescind this form at any time. • The parent establishes the student’s dependent status by presenting the University with the most recently filed tax return showing the student was claimed as a dependent and by also completing the “Request for Confidential Data of a Dependent Child” form in the Registrar’s Office.

Questions on accessing your student’s information should be directed to the Registrar’s Office at 812-464-1762, 800-467-1965 (#3), or registrar@usi.edu.