What is FERPA?

FERPA - Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 -is a federal law that requires all institutions of higher education to protect the education records of students. Under FERPA, only the student may access his or her records once the student enrolls in a college or university.

How does FERPA affect parents?

Typically under FERPA, parents do not have rights to access their son or daughter's education records without the written permission of the student. However, to afford rights to parents, FGCU requires all Early Admission students to complete and return a Dual Enrollment or Early Admission Authorization to Release Educational Information to a Third Party form. The form is effective while the student attends FGCU under the status of Early Admission and allows parents the right to request copies of their son or daughters academic transcript/grades, the ability to talk to the Accelerated Collegiate Experience Counselor about the student's academic performance, and the right to act on the student's behalf in the case of emergency.

What is the responsibility of the student?

FGCU believes students are responsible for managing their educational career. To that end, FGCU provides the necessary information and tools needed for students to succeed through contact with their Accelerated Collegiate Experience Counselor, through the utilization of FGCU's web site: http://www.fgcu.edu/, the University Catalog, and FGCU eagle email. Other student responsibilities are:

Attendance

Regular and punctual attendance and participation are expected. Although students are graded on intellectual effort and performance rather than attendance, absences may lower the student's grade when the instructor deems class attendance is essential.

Gulfline

FGCU's web-based student information system, Gulfline, allows students the ability to access their education records conveniently and on-demand. Students use Gulfline to register for courses; view grades; view, print, and request transcripts; view or print class schedules; and much more. Since Gulfline contains confidential education information, FERPA requires FGCU to protect the student's Gulfline sign on, which is considered the student's electronic signature. Because students are instructed to protect and not share their Gulfline access information, parents are expected to honor the student's privacy by not using or asking for the sign on information. When information is needed, parents should ask their student to provide a printout or parents should contact the University.

Final Grades

Final grades are viewed through Gulfline approximately one week after final exams end. In addition, personal web-transcripts may be printed, or university-issued transcripts may be requested through Gulfline. However, Early Admission student transcripts are mailed to high school guidance counselors and parents each term.

Where can parents receive more information about FERPA?

Parents are encouraged to contact the Office of the Registrar concerning all FERPA questions. Office hours are 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday. Staff can be reached by calling 239-590-7980. Email question may be sent to orr@fgcu.edu. Parents are encouraged to read more information concerning FERPA and FGCU's Education Records policy.