Privacy & Third-Party Access
About FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.
For more information regarding FERPA, visit the U.S. Department of Education or review the Office of the Registrar's notification of student privacy rights, which is sent to all active CU Boulder students every fall and spring semester.
When You're Protected
At CU Boulder, FERPA protections go into effect on the first day of classes of your first term of enrollment. FERPA does not apply to records of applicants for admission who are denied acceptance or, if accepted, do not attend an institution. Former students have the same FERPA protections regarding their education records; however, they may no longer request that a privacy status be placed on them.
How You're Protected
At the post-secondary level, student education records may be released to a parent or other third party only under the following circumstances:
- Through the consent of the student via FERPA consent to release (established through Buff Portal)
- In compliance with a subpoena
- By submission of evidence that the parents declare the student as a dependent on their most recent Federal Income Tax form (IRS Code, Section 152) (Parent Affidavit)
- Under the alcohol and controlled substance exception or in connection with a health and safety emergency under the circumstances set forth in § 99.36 (if the student is under 21 years of age)
Learn more about you how FERPA applies to your education records:
Directory Information
Unless you're on full privacy, certain pieces of information in your education record may be released to third parties at CU Boulder's discretion.
Exceptions to Student Consent
Learn under which circumstances your education records can be accessed without your written consent.
Inspection & Amendment Rights
You have the right to inspect and review information in your education record and request certain amendments.
Privacy Glossary
Review the definitions of education records, legitimate educational interest, and university official.
Managing Your Record Privacy
CU Boulder offers a variety of resources to help you further manage the privacy of your education record:
CU Guest Access
Provide read-only, online access for guests to view specific components of your education records.
FERPA Consent to Release
Authorize a parent or third party to contact CU Boulder about your education records.
Full Privacy
Request that none of your directory information be released to any third party or published in campus directories or graduation announcements.
Recommendation Letters
Authorize a CU Boulder faculty or staff member to write you a letter of recommendation.
Contact Us
registrar@colorado.edu
303-492-6970
Resources
- FERPA Overview (U.S. Dept. of Education)
- Notification of Your Student Privacy Rights (CU Boulder)
- Federal Law (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99)