Confidentiality of Student Records and FERPA: General Exceptions to Students’ Written Consent

Students and their families can expect that information in their educational records will be kept confidential and disclosed only with the student's written consent. However, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) allows certain exceptions where prior consent is not required. These exceptions include disclosures to:

  • School officials with a legitimate educational interest
  • Specified officials for the purpose of audit
  • Other schools to which a student is transferring
  • Accrediting organizations
  • Appropriate officials in case of health or safety emergencies
  • State and local authorities pursuant to specific state law
  • Subpoenas
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