Under what circumstances may I disclose the contents of a student's record without the student's consent?

Generally, a college or university that receives federal funding cannot disclose student records to anyone other than the student (including the student's parents), without the student's written permission. However, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) does establish several exceptions that allow the institution to disclose student records without the student's prior written consent. These exceptions are:

• To other school officials with a legitimate educational interest;
• To officials of other schools in which the student seeks to enroll;
• In connection with a student's application for, or receipt of, financial aid;
• If disclosure is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons;
• In response to a lawfully issued subpoena; (if you receive a subpoena requesting student records, you should notify our office immediately);
• Directory information as defined.