Until July 1, 2008, FERPA was the only law governing the
disclosure of educational records (except disability
records).
FERPA regulations state that all rights of parents under FERPA transfer
to the student when the student reaches age 18 or enrolls in a postsecondary
institution.
Current regulations permit disclosure to parents under certain circumstances:
v If the student is claimed as a dependent on
the parents’ Federal income tax return(s)
v If there is an immediate health or safety
concern
v If a student under 21 has violated the
institution’s alcohol or drug policy
Some schools, including NOVA, have misinterpreted the transfer
of rights to prohibit any disclosure to parents without the
student’s consent.
Disclosure
of Educational Records