Confidentiality/FERPA

Access to a students record is governed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

FERPA is a law which protects the educational records of a student. When a student enters (is in attendance the first day of classes) at UW-Madison, regardless of their age, all rights to inspect and review the educational record transfer from the parent to the student. Under FERPA, the parent has no right to review the record unless granted in writing by the student.

Anyone can request directory information. Each institution defines what they consider to be directory and non-directory information. The student also has the right to withhold any directory information that they wish to withhold from any third party. A third party is anyone inside or outside of the university who does not have an "educational need to know" the information in the student record as a necessary part of their job. Under FERPA, parents are third parties, with no rights to the record, although FERPA does include a provision that a parent could access the record if the student is listed as a dependent on their most recent federal income tax form. It is viewed as a matter of discretion as to whether or not the institution incorporates this provision into its policies. The University of Wisconsin-Madison has chosen to leave the rights with the student. This is stated in our "Policy on Student Records" if you wish to review it.

Educational records are all paper and electronic records kept about the student which relate to being a student, with several exception as noted in the "Policy on Student Records." These records are not maintained in a central location. If a student wants to review them, they must request viewing of these records with each office that has their part of the record. The institution has 45 days to comply with any request to view the records, although that length of time is seldom necessary.

Disciplinary records are any records kept in the process of a disciplinary proceeding conducted by the Dean of Student's Office which may be an academic or non-academic nature. Visit the Dean of Student's web site for information about this process.

In summary, the record belongs to the student. Parents only have rights to the record which are granted by the student. This means that you cannot request grades, the academic transcript, or a class schedule unless the student shows it to you or signs a release indicating that they want you to be able to request that information.

You do have a right to request and receive directory information (address on file, enrolled status, what degrees they might have, etc). That means that you can call (608 262-3811) or visit the Registrar's Office at 333 East Campus Mall, #10101 and we will provide you with directory information, unless your student has specifically indicated that they don't want that information released.