Source: The College Investor
A FERPA waiver, when signed by a student, allows parents to gain access to academic records during college. However, this raises an interesting question: should parents push their college-bound children to sign?
Many parents, accustomed to having access to their child’s academic records throughout high school, are surprised when they no longer have the same access once their child enters college. As a result, some parents may consider requesting – or even pressuring – their child to sign a FERPA waiver. Some parents even believe they have a right to the records if they are paying for college. But is this a good idea?
In this article, we’ll explore the nuances of FERPA, the implications of signing a waiver, and the potential consequences of forcing a college student to comply.
What Is FERPA?
FERPA, or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, is a federal law that was passed in 1974 to protect the privacy of students’ educational records. Once a student turns 18 or attends a post-secondary institution, FERPA rights are transferred from the parent to the student. This legal shift means that parents can no longer automatically access their child’s educational records – including academic grades, financial aid information, and any disciplinary actions – without the student’s express written consent.
This change in access may feel abrupt to some parents, particularly those who have been heavily involved in their child’s academic life up until college. In high school, it’s common for parents to regularly check grades, discuss performance with teachers, and monitor other aspects of their child’s education.
When the student signs a FERPA waiver, it allows parents to regain access to these records during college.
The Case For Signing A FERPA Waiver
From a parent’s perspective, there are many compelling reasons as to why a child should sign a FERPA waiver.
For one, it’s common for parents to continue financially supporting their college-aged child(ren), whether through tuition payments, housing costs, or general living expenses. In this case, signing a FERPA waiver may seem like a logical trade-off. After all, if they’re funding a student’s education, shouldn’t they be able to check in on their child’s academic performance to ensure their investment is paying off?
In addition to financial considerations, parents may also be concerned about their child’s overall well-being. College life can be demanding, and it’s not uncommon for students to struggle with the challenges of balancing academics, social life, and self-care. If a student is facing academic difficulties, mental health challenges, or other stressors, parents might feel that having access to educational records can help them intervene early and provide support when necessary.
Furthermore, parents who co-sign student loans or are deeply involved in the financial aid process may want to ensure that their child is meeting the necessary requirements for scholarships or grants. If a student falls below a certain GPA or fails to meet credit requirements, it could result in the loss of financial aid — a worse-case scenario for most families. Having access to financial records could, instead, help parents stay informed about any potential issues before they escalate.
The Case Against Signing A FERPA Waiver
On the flip side, students often have strong reasons for resisting the idea of signing a FERPA waiver. For many, college represents a key period of personal growth and independence. Managing their academic and personal lives without constant oversight is a key part of that journey. Forcing students to sign a FERPA waiver might feel like a sign that their parents don’t trust them to successfully manage their new responsibilities.
The pressure to meet certain academic expectations or to explain every decision to their parents can add unnecessary stress. College is a time when students are learning to balance responsibilities, manage time effectively, and cope with setbacks. Some students may worry that giving their parents access to their records could lead to additional pressure if they receive a poor grade, struggle in a difficult course, change majors, or simply take a non-traditional path.
There’s also the issue of privacy. A student might feel that some aspects of their college experience – including the classes they take, how they spend their time, or their academic setbacks – are personal matters to navigate on their own. This doesn’t necessarily reflect a lack of maturity or responsibility, but rather a desire to exercise their right to make independent decisions without the fear of parental judgment.
Should Parents Force The Issue?
So, should parents force their children to sign the FERPA waiver? The short answer is no. Compelling a college student to sign a FERPA waiver undermines the very autonomy that college is meant to foster. By pushing a child to sign such a document, parents run the risk of damaging trust and complicating the parent-child relationship during an already sensitive period of transition.
Instead of enforcing the waiver, parents may find it more productive to approach the conversation with a sense of mutual respect and understanding. Open communication here is key. Rather than making demands, parents can frame the discussion around their personal concerns – whether financial, academic, or related to well-being – and encourage their child to share their thoughts and feelings on the matter.
By building trust through regular, supportive communication, parents can foster a relationship where their child feels comfortable sharing important updates and asking for help when needed, without feeling micromanaged.
Consider Alternatives
It's important to note that signing a FERPA waiver doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing decision. Some colleges allow students to grant partial access to records, such as financial aid information, while keeping academic grades private. This option offers a middle ground where students retain their sense of independence while giving parents access to critical financial data that might impact their ability to support their child’s education.
In families where finances are a primary concern, students may feel more comfortable allowing access to only financial records. Parents can remain informed about tuition payments, scholarships, and loan statuses without delving into academic performance unless a serious issue arises.
There are also other important forms that may be more relevant than FERPA, such as ensuring your college student has a health-care power of attorney in case you need to step in and make medical decisions for them in an emergency. Learn more about the forms and others at Mama Bear Legal Forms.
Teach Responsibility Through Independence
Part of the reason parents want access to academic records is to ensure their student is on track to graduate. But it’s important to remember that learning to manage academics and life independently is a key part of the college experience. Your student will be making decisions that affect their future, and while you want them to succeed, it’s important to give them space to grow, even if that means allowing them to make a few mistakes along the way.
Encouraging responsibility without demanding access to every detail of your student’s academic life can lead to a healthier parent-child relationship. And parents can still offer guidance, encouragement, and support without accessing private records. Trust your student to handle their academic progress, and let them know you’re there to help if they need it.
Final Thoughts
The decision of whether to sign a FERPA waiver is ultimately a personal one, and every family will approach it differently. For some, the waiver offers peace of mind and a way to stay involved in the financial side of their child’s college experience. For others, it can feel like an unnecessary intrusion into a student’s newfound independence.
The best approach? Start by having an open and honest conversation with your college student. Talk about your concerns, listen to their perspective, and see if there’s a compromise that works for both of you. Whether your child decides to sign the FERPA waiver or not, maintaining trust and open communication is the key to supporting your student during this pivotal time.
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Allison’s passion lies in decoding the ways of the world to help put others on a path to success. She likes to ask big questions, and it’s her goal to find answers to share with you. A self-acknowledged transplant to the Pacific Northwest, Allison likes to write about finance, policy, fitness, and anything else that sparks her curiosity.
Editor: Colin Graves Reviewed by: Robert Farrington