Can We Give Out Information On Our Students?

In an article published this week in the Chronicle of Higher Education, Steven J. McDonald clarifies the privacy act, Ferpa, that affects the information we give out about our students. Interesting points include:

While Ferpa applies to official records (such as transcripts), it does not apply to personal knowledge. “Thus, for example, a professor who observes a student behaving oddly in a classroom, a resident assistant who notices a disturbing change in a student's temperament, or an adviser who sees a student become increasingly withdrawn and uncommunicative is free, as far as Ferpa is concerned, to raise the concern with others — and should do so. We do neither the student nor ourselves a favor if we don't try to reach out and deal with such situations when we still have the opportunity.”

In addition, McDonald addresses the issue of giving out information to parents:

"Primary control over a student's records does shift from the parents to the student when the student enrolls in college, even if the student is still a minor, but primary control is not the same as total control. Institutions can disclose student information to parents under any number of circumstances:

If either parent claims the student as a federal tax dependent, the institution may, with confirmation of that status, disclose any and all information it has about the student to both parents, regardless of the student's age or whether there is an emergency.

If the student is under 21, the institution may inform the student's parents of any violations of its alcohol or drug policies, regardless of whether the student is a tax dependent or whether there is an emergency.

If the institution reasonably believes that there is a health or safety emergency involving the student, the institution may alert the student's parents and seek their assistance, regardless of the student's age or whether the student is a tax dependent.

Moreover, we can make such disclosures even if the student has asked us not to. Ferpa doesn't give students a veto over any of the permitted disclosures except the one for "directory information."

Certainly if a student told me about personal issues that he/she is struggling with or if I observe a student is having trouble coping with stress, I would suggest to the student to see a school counselor. I've even made the call myself and walked the student to the counselor from my office. However, in this day of "helicopter parents," I find it easier to refuse to answer any questions from parents about their child's grades or attendance and to refer the parent to an administrator.