What constitutes "written consent" in the context of FERPA?

In the context of FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), "written consent" refers specifically to a document signed and dated by the student that clearly specifies which educational records are to be released. This written consent must be explicit to ensure that the student's privacy rights are upheld, as FERPA is designed to protect student education records from unauthorized disclosure.

The requirement for written consent means that simply sending an email or having a verbal agreement is not sufficient, as these avenues do not provide the clear, indisputable authorization that a signed document does. Additionally, a general letter of permission lacks the specificity required by FERPA, as it may not outline the particular records being released or be formal enough to meet legal standards. Therefore, a well-defined, dated, and signed document provides the necessary legal foundation for the release of student records under FERPA guidelines.