The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The University of Georgia (UGA) is committed to complying with FERPA regulations, and as such, has established procedures for students to submit consent forms to authorize the disclosure of their education records. In this guide, we will walk you through the easy steps to submit a FERPA consent form at UGA.
Understanding FERPA and UGA’s Policies
FERPA gives students certain rights regarding their education records, including the right to inspect and review their records, the right to request amendments to their records, and the right to consent to disclosures of their records. UGA’s FERPA policy is designed to ensure that student education records are handled in a way that is consistent with FERPA regulations. It is essential for students to understand their rights under FERPA and to know how to exercise those rights.
When to Submit a FERPA Consent Form
A FERPA consent form is required when a student wants to authorize UGA to disclose their education records to a third party, such as a parent, guardian, or employer. Education records include any records that are directly related to a student and are maintained by UGA or a person acting for UGA. Examples of education records include transcripts, grades, and disciplinary records. Students may want to submit a FERPA consent form in various situations, such as when they want to share their academic information with their parents or when they need to provide their transcript to an employer.
The following table outlines the types of situations that may require a FERPA consent form:
| Situation | Required Action |
|---|---|
| Parent or guardian requests academic information | Submit FERPA consent form |
| Employer requests transcript or academic verification | Submit FERPA consent form |
| Student wants to share academic information with a third party | Submit FERPA consent form |
Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting a FERPA Consent Form
To submit a FERPA consent form at UGA, follow these easy steps:
- Log in to the UGA student portal using your MyID and password.
- Click on the "Student Records" tab and select "FERPA Consent Form" from the drop-down menu.
- Complete the online FERPA consent form, providing the required information, including the name and contact information of the person you are authorizing to access your education records.
- Specify the types of education records you are authorizing UGA to disclose.
- Indicate the duration of the consent, which can be for a specific period or until you revoke the consent.
- Submit the completed form electronically.
Revoking a FERPA Consent Form
If you need to revoke a previously submitted FERPA consent form, you can do so by submitting a written request to the UGA Registrar’s Office. It is essential to include your name, student ID number, and a clear statement indicating that you want to revoke the consent. The Registrar’s Office will then update your records to reflect the revocation of the consent.
What is the purpose of a FERPA consent form?
+A FERPA consent form is used to authorize the University of Georgia to disclose your education records to a third party. By submitting a FERPA consent form, you are giving UGA permission to share your academic information with the specified individual or organization.
How long is a FERPA consent form valid?
+A FERPA consent form is valid for the duration specified on the form, which can be for a specific period or until you revoke the consent. It is essential to review the consent form carefully and understand the duration of the consent before submitting it.
Can I revoke a FERPA consent form at any time?
+Yes, you can revoke a FERPA consent form at any time by submitting a written request to the UGA Registrar's Office. It is essential to include your name, student ID number, and a clear statement indicating that you want to revoke the consent.
In conclusion, submitting a FERPA consent form at UGA is a straightforward process that requires careful consideration of who you authorize to access your education records. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your academic information is shared with authorized individuals or organizations while maintaining control over your education records.
