Learn about student rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) at UNH, including access to education records and privacy protections.
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Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law protecting the privacy and access of student educational records. Find the annual FERPA notice in the Student Rights, Rules, and Responsibilities handbook.
Regulated Data & Policies: Visit the Data Services website for additional information.
Student Overview
Student Rights Under FERPA
Under FERPA, parents or legal guardians have specific rights for a child's education records. These rights transfer to the student once 18 years of age or enrolled in a post secondary institution, whichever occurs first.
- Inspect and view records: request access to education records.
- Request corrections: If records are inaccurate, ask to have the information corrected.
- Control access: decide who can see certain information outside the university.
- File a complaint: with the Family Policy and Compliance Office concerning alleged failures by the institution to comply with FERPA.
Directory Information
Some personal information can be shared publicly with third parties, unless a student opts out. At UNH, this includes:
- Name, address, phone number, UNH email
- Major, class, and enrollment status
- Participation in officially recognized sports or activities
- Honors, awards, and degrees received
- Dates of attendance
- Most recent school attended
- Height and weight (for athletes)
To keep directory information confidential, complete the Prevent Disclosure of Directory Information form.
The right to opt out of the public disclosure of directory information does not extend to the refusal to wear or use student identification containing personal information when university officials have deemed such identification necessary. Additionally, FERPA does not prohibit schools from requiring students to share name, ID, or institutional email in classes which the student is enrolled.
Grade Information
- Grades are considered directory information only for purposes like publishing Dean's List.
- GPAs and transcripts can be released to faculty advisors of officially recognized honor societies—unless the student has opted out.
- Only faculty and authorized administrators can access student records for official academic purposes.
Manage Sharing
Control who sees academic and financial info using these tools:
- Parent Portal: Grant access to grades, billing, and financial aid info.
- Prevent Disclosure: Opt out of the release of directory information. The student's name will be withheld from Dean's Lists and the Commencement Program. Information concerning attendance or graduation status will not be release to prospective employers.
- Rescind Non-Disclosure: Remove previous privacy restrictions if needed.
Parent/Guardian Overview
Understanding Student’s Privacy at UNH
Sending a child to college comes with many changes — including how privacy standards for student records are handled. The University of New Hampshire follows the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law that governs the privacy and access to student education records. Learn more by reviewing the USNH FERPA Policy.
At UNH, students have the option to grant parents or other designated individuals' access to specific information, including semester grades, financial aid, billing, and payment details through the Parent Portal.
Faculty & Staff Overview
Protecting Student Records and Information
Members of the UNH community share a responsibility for safeguarding student privacy. Understanding when and how it is appropriate to access, use, and share student records can sometimes be complex.
The resources below are designed to help navigate the appropriate use, access, and disclosure of student information in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
To find out what is permissible under FERPA, or for questions or concerns related to student privacy, contact Registrar.Records@unh.edu.
Available Resources
- FERPA Basics for Faculty
- FERPA Basics for Staff
- Student Privacy 101 – US DOE Overview for both K-12 and higher education
