FERPA establishes requirements regarding the privacy protection of student educational records.  It applies to all academic institutions that receive funds under applicable U.S. Department of Education programs.  FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s education records.  These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level.  Students to whom the rights have transferred are referred to as “eligible students.”

Link to text of law: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

Acronym(s): FERPA