Release of Student Personal Information University of Tulsa

The University of
TULSA Office of Student Affairs

Release of Student Personal Information
University of Tulsa

Dear TU Students:

Welcome new and returning students. I hope your summer was productive yet restful.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended (FERPA) requires that we at The University of Tulsa protect the privacy of students' educational records. A summary of the FERPA requirements (see below) describes circumstances under which the University would be allowed to release information from the students' educational records. We do our best to comply with the requirements of FERPA. Therefore, you will need to complete and submit the Student Request to Share Information form. This form will allow the University to share information about you with family members or others with whom you have a special relationship. A summary of the FERPA information has been sent to parents and family members. I encourage you to discuss the FERPA information with your parents and family members and submit a completed form to the Office of Student Affairs.

Please be aware that all higher educational institutions are subject to revisions in federal law and regulations. At the time of printing, we are aware that Congress is considering amendments that may result in changes to reporting and confidentiality requirements that could affect the currently privacy rights of those students under age 21. These and other changes may take effect after the printing of this FERPA information.

Should you have any questions, please call me at (918) 631-2328.

Best wishes for a productive year.

Sincerely,

Yolanda Taylor

Associate Vice President for Enrollment and
Student Services and Dean of Students

The University of Tulsa & FERPA The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) as amended is a federal law which is designed to protect the privacy of and limit access to the educational records of students. This means that institutions generally must withhold such information from parents and others who believe their relationship with the student entitles them to have the information, sometimes even on occasions when the student prefers the information be released. As a result, we sometimes encounter frustrated parents, guardians, or spouses who question why they cannot have information about a student's grades, financial obligations, or standing with the University. Educational records generally covered by federal privacy laws include grades, housing information, medical treatment (including hospitalization) enrollment and attendance information, financial status, results of disciplinary proceedings, etc. Please understand that if we have not been given permission by the student to release information to someone, we generally CANNOT release the information under the provisions of FERPA. We are able to release information IF we have proof of the student's status as a dependent under the Internal Revenue Service Code for the period covered. However, please note that tax returns on file with the University cover the preceding year, thus the proof is out of date and may no longer be applicable. We are also able to release information IF we have on file a signed release form. FERPA forbids requiring students give us such permission. In other words, we cannot, nor do we wish to, coerce or mandate that students sign-away their privacy rights. We do want to be able to honor a student's wishes to release information to people they designate. The Student Request to Share Information form is located below. When the form is completed and submitted we will be able to disclose information and respond to inquiries from the designated individuals. The completed and submitted form will be kept on file in the Dean of Students Office. Students may revise the form's designations at any time during the year. The form is kept on file for the current academic year. Each academic year students must file a new FERPA form. Please be aware that all higher education institutions are subject to revisions in federal laws and regulations. At the time of printing, we are aware that Congress is considering amendments that may result in changes to reporting and confidentiality requirements that could affect the current privacy rights of those students under age 21. These and other changes may take effect after the printing of this FERPA information. Please discuss this information issue before a situation arises when our release of information must be determined by the law rather than the wishes of the student. Thank you for helping us respond appropriately to students' wishes as we meet our legal obligations.