What is a "FERPA release form"?

A "FERPA release form" is specifically a document that students or parents sign to provide permission for the release of educational records. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), educational institutions are required to protect the privacy of student records and generally cannot disclose them without consent. The FERPA release form serves as a legal authorization indicating that the student or parent is granting permission for specific information to be shared with designated individuals or organizations, ensuring that the institution complies with federal regulations while respecting the privacy rights of students. This form is essential for allowing entities such as parents, guardians, or other third parties to access sensitive educational information which otherwise would be protected under FERPA.

Other options do not align with the definition of the FERPA release form and relate to other aspects of student administration or records that are not focused on record confidentiality and permission. For example, forms for admissions or tuition contracts do not involve the release of student records.