Annual Notification
Consistent with its obligations, the University notifies students annually of their rights under FERPA. Notification is sent to students via official UA email and is available online.
Students' Rights
Students and former students have the right to inspect and review their education records within 45 days from making such a request. The institution is not required to permit students to inspect and review the following:
- Information about other students
- Financial records of parents
- Confidential letters of recommendation if they waived their right of access
If a student believes their education records contain information that is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of their rights of privacy or other rights, they may ask the University to amend the record. The University will review the request within a reasonable period of time and make a determination regarding the request. If the University decides not to amend the record as requested, it shall inform the student of its decision and of the student's right to a hearing to challenge the content of the student's education records. Requests for hearings must be submitted to the University Registrar who will arrange the hearing and inform the student of the date, time, and location.
If as a result of the hearing the University decides that the information is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the privacy or other rights of the student, it shall amend the record accordingly and inform the student of the amendment in writing. If the University decides that the information in the education record is not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the privacy or other rights of the student, it shall inform the student of their right to place a statement in the record commenting on the contested information in the record or stating why they disagree with the decision of the University. This statement will be maintained as part of the education record as long as the contested portion of the record is maintained, and whenever a copy of the education record is sent to any party, the student's statement will be included.
Authorization for Release of Information. This form must be signed by the student and can be customized for specific situations and time frames. Download the form with Adobe Reader to use the PDF fillable option. Use the Adobe Fill & Sign tool.
Parents' Rights
At the postsecondary education level, parents have no inherent rights to access or inspect their child’s education records. Records, including progress, deficiencies, and grades may be released to parents only if they have been given a written release by the student or if the child is considered a dependent for tax purposes and a Parent Affidavit has been filed in the Registrar’s Office. The Parent Affidavit must be notarized and will be in effect for one year.
Consistent with its obligations, the University notifies students annually of their rights under FERPA. Notification is sent to students via official UA email and is available online.
A student’s FERPA rights begin when the student registers for their first class.
Students have the right to inspect the contents of their educational records regardless of their financial status with the University. However, the University is not required to release an official transcript if the student has a past due account.
Student judicial records containing information surrounding suspected violations of the Student Code of Conduct are protected by FERPA. The Dean of Student’s office will only release information contained in university judicial records under the following conditions:
- Violations related to the possession/consumption of alcohol and/or drugs involving students under the age of 21
- Serious health and safety concerns
- Students have signed a FERPA release with the Dean of Students Office
The University may disclose to third parties any student information that is designated as directory information, provided the student has not restricted such information from disclosure. Students must request a restriction through UAccess, which will remain in effect until the student requests a change. Students who wish to have specific directory information released may do so by providing a written authorization to the Registrar's Office.
Students who wish to restrict their names should note the following:
- Your name will not appear in university publications, including the commencement bulletin.
- Third parties will be denied all your information and will be informed that the University has no information available about your attendance.
Students have a right to file a complaint with the US Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University of Arizona to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
Student Privacy Policy Office
US Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202
Students who perform institutional functions may be deemed "school officials" with "legitimate educational interest" in accessing designated educational records of other students. The requirements and responsibilities for these student workers are the same as those that exist for full-time staff, therefore student workers must complete FERPA training.
What are the privacy rights of a deceased student? The privacy rights of a student expire with that student’s death.
The privacy rights of a student expire with that student’s death.
Students can grant parents and others access to their UAccess Student Center account. The guest account can be utilized by student-authorized individuals to view select student information, potentially including class schedules, financial aid disbursements, and final course grades. Guest access also provides the ability for guests to pay student tuition bills.