Generally, when a student enters UNC Charlotte, regardless of their age, all rights afforded to parents under FERPA transfer to the student, and the student’s written consent is required for disclosure of their education records.
However, FERPA also provides ways in which schools may share information with parents without the student's consent. For example:
- The University may disclose education records to parents if the student is a dependent for income tax purposes.
- The University may disclose education records to parents if a health or safety emergency involves their child.
- The University may inform parents if the student who is under age 21 has violated any law or its policy concerning the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance.
- A University official may generally share with a parent information that is based on that official's personal knowledge or observation of the student.
Parents should ask their students about the Guest Access Portal and whether they can help their student succeed by having online view access to their education records. More information about that service is available at https://ninercentral.charlotte.edu/student-records-personal-information/guest-access-portal-ferpa.
For further information on disclosure of student education records to parents, please see University Policy 402, Student Records, or you may contact the Office of the Registrar or the Office of Legal Affairs.