Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Up until now, you have had access to your student’s grades, assignments, and educational records. Upon enrolling in college, however, students are in control of these records according to FERPA. Educational records include academic records, testing data, disciplinary records, and financial information. This means you cannot access this information without your student's permission.
If you call regarding information about your student that is protected by FERPA, staff will not be able to give you specific information but can typically answer your questions with general information about RIT policies and procedures. Further, many RIT staff members will ask that conversations with parents also include students, opening the communication to all involved parties. It is important to have conversations with your student now about how they plan to share information such as grades with you so there are no surprises once the semester starts.
For more information, including tips and conversation starters, visit the Parent and Family Programs website.
Family and Emergency Contact Info
Please have your student review and update their parent and emergency contact information at www.rit.edu/studentcontact. This information is important should RIT ever have to reach out to parents in case of an emergency.