FERPA Forms for College Students | New York Education Law Guidance

College student and parent reviewing FERPA form with New York education lawyer.
Understanding FERPA forms helps students and parents manage college privacy rights in New York.

FERPA Forms for College Students in New York

Protecting Your Privacy—What Every Student (and Parent) Should Know

Here’s something most families don’t realize: the moment a student turns 18 or starts college, FERPA rights transfer from the parent to the student. That means your college can’t automatically share grades, disciplinary actions, or financial information with your parents—even if they’re paying tuition.

This single shift catches many families by surprise—and it’s why FERPA forms exist. These forms allow students to authorize information sharing with parents or trusted parties, bridging the gap between legal privacy and practical communication.

Understanding FERPA and Your Rights

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. It applies to virtually all colleges and universities in New York—public and private—because they receive federal funding.

FERPA Gives College Students the Right To:

  • Access their education records within 45 days of a request.

  • Request a correction if records are inaccurate or misleading.

  • Control disclosure of personal information (PII), including grades, schedules, or disciplinary records.

  • File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if rights are violated.

Why FERPA Forms Matter

Without a FERPA release form, parents often cannot access:

  • Tuition and billing information

  • Academic transcripts or grades

  • Disciplinary records

  • Financial aid details

Signing a FERPA authorization form does not waive a student’s privacy rights—it simply permits the school to share information with specific people the student chooses.

Many New York colleges encourage students to complete these forms at the start of the academic year so parents can help with academic or financial issues without delays.

Common FERPA Questions

Can a College Email My Parents About My Grades?

Not without your written consent unless you’re a dependent student claimed on your parents’ tax return

What Counts as “Education Records”?

Anything personally identifiable maintained by the school—transcripts, disciplinary files, emails, even digital records.

Can I Limit What My Parents See?

Yes. FERPA forms let you authorize specific types of access (e.g., financial records only).

How Do I Revoke Consent?

Submit a written request to the registrar’s office. Your revocation applies going forward, not retroactively.

New York Considerations

New York colleges and universities are bound by federal FERPA rules and state privacy standards. For students with disabilities, FERPA and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) work together to ensure records are handled confidentially. When a New York student is dually enrolled in high school and college, the high school retains control over K-12 records if the student is under 18, but college records fall under FERPA.

How a Lawyer Can Help with FERPA Forms and Disputes

If a college refuses to release information you’ve authorized or improperly discloses records without consent, you may have grounds to pursue a complaint with the Department of Education or seek legal recourse.

A New York law firm with experience in student privacy and education law can:

  • Review FERPA authorization forms for accuracy and scope

  • Advise on disputes over access or record corrections

  • Communicate with the college’s registrar or compliance officer

  • Prepare formal complaints to the Student Privacy Policy Office

When to Get Legal Help

Contact a lawyer if:

  • You suspect your school shared records without consent

  • A request to correct false information was denied

  • A FERPA form was ignored or misapplied

  • You need to authorize limited access for a parent or sponsor

A law firm can help you assert your rights before problems escalate.

Take the Next Step

Protect your privacy and peace of mind with the right FERPA form in place. Whether you’re a student starting college or a parent navigating new boundaries, our team can help you understand your options and prepare the right documents.

Contact our law firm today to discuss your legal situation

If your child is turning 18, facing academic discipline, or needs educational protection, contact our firm today. We represent students and families across New York State and offer confidential consultations to protect your child’s rights and future.

📞 Call (888) 275-2620 to request your consultation.

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