Can parents access their child's college records without the student’s consent?

Under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), parents generally do not have the right to access their child's college records without the student's consent once the student has turned 18 or is attending a postsecondary institution. College students are considered independent under FERPA, meaning that they have control over their educational records, and the rights previously held by parents transfer to the students.

This legislation emphasizes privacy and the independence of the student, reinforcing the idea that college students are adults who should have the authority to manage their own educational information. While parents may access their child's records under certain circumstances, such as with proper written consent from the student or in instances of a health or safety emergency, the general rule is that access is not granted to parents without the student's explicit permission.

This understanding aligns with the protections FERPA provides to students, ensuring that their educational records are kept confidential and that they have autonomy over who can view this information.