FERPA

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The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) is a federal law that governs the education records of eligible students. It grants students continuous access to their education records upon request, allows students to amend their records if they feel they’re inaccurate, and restricts how and when their education records can be disclosed.

When a student turns 18, or attends a postsecondary institution, FERPA rights belong to the student, not the parent.

Mason does not release non-directory information unless a student has provided consent, the release is to the parent of a dependent student, as required by § 23.1-1303.B.5 of the Code of Virginia, or the disclosure meets a qualified exception under FERPA.

FERPA authorizes the release of Directory Information in accordance with what is allowable under law. University Policy 1122:  FERPA Compliance defines directory information at Mason.

Directory Information includes:

  • Student Name
  • Email**
  • Address**
  • Phone Number**
  • Student ID (G Number)*
  • Date of Birth*
  • Major Field of Study
  • Dates of Attendance
  • Enrollment Status
  • Previous Institutions
  • Class Level
  • Degrees and Awards Received
  • Photographs
  • Participation in Officially Recognized Sports and Activities
  • Weight and Height of Athletes

*Denotes Limited Directory Information. This information should only be released to non-school officials for verification purposes. 

**Pursuant to Virginia Code § 23.1-405(C), this information may not be released under the directory information exception of FERPA.  See Code of Virginia § 23.1-405(C) for more information.