Privacy Release Necessary for Family Members

Boise State faculty and staff members strive to be as helpful as possible to students and their families while operating within the law. A federal law called the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects each student's rights with respect to his or her educational records... including financial aid information and university account balances.

This excerpt is taken from the Confidentiality and Privacy Statement for students located on the Registrar's Office web site:

"... before distributing confidential information outside the university - even to members of your family - Boise State faculty and staff must first secure your written permission to do so.

You must complete a privacy release form to allow individuals other than yourself to access your student records related to grades, financial aid, and account."

The Boise State Privacy Release form allows a student to pick and choose from several options regarding the information that may be shared with the individuals the student chooses. For instance, the student may indicate that it is okay to share Financial Aid and Student Account information, but not Academic Records, or Student Conduct Records.

When it comes to financial aid, given the amount of information parents or spouses are required to provide on the FAFSA or for verification purposes, it is especially beneficial to submit Privacy Release for these individuals.

For more information regarding FERPA and Boise State's policies and procedures regarding a student's privacy, please contact the Registrar's Office at 426.4249 located in the Administration Building, Room 110.

Posted:4.11.2011