Introduction to FERPA

  • The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) was enacted in 1974. See the FERPA Regulations that implement that Act.
  • The primary purpose of FERPA is to protect the privacy of student information, and this protection is achieved by controlling access to and disclosure of students' "education records," as that term is defined in FERPA.
  • Faculty, staff, and administrative officers at UNC Charlotte are required by FERPA to treat education records confidentially, unless a legal exception applies, or the student provides written consent to disclose.
  • Students have the right to inspect and review their education records and to request that their records be amended.
  • Students have the right to request that their Directory Information not be disclosed.
  • For additional information, please see University Policy 402, Student Records and FERPA Guidance and Resources.