Are there any conditions under which student educational records may be disclosed without student consent?
Answer
Yes, FERPA does contain some exceptions to the written consent rule. Those exceptions allow disclosure without consent:
- To University officials (including third parties under contract) with legitimate educational interests
- To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena
- To appropriate parties in a health or safety emergency in order to protect the student or others
- To parents in cases of drug or alcohol violation when the student is under the age of 21
- To the provider or creator of a record to verify the validity of that record (e.g. in cases of suspected fraud)
- To organizations conducting research studies on behalf of the University, provided there is a written agreement between the University and the research organization
- To officials at an institution in which the student seeks or intends to enroll or is currently enrolled
