• Seton Hall University
• Department of Student Life

Understanding Your Student’s Privacy Rights

In the course of an academic year, parents, understandably, wish to be informed of their student’s progress. Your student’s privacy rights are governed by a federal law that is commonly called FERPA or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. The following guide provides answers to commonly asked questions about the law and University policies. Detailed information about FERPA at Seton Hall can be found here.

• What is FERPA? »

  FERPA is the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as Amended. It is the keystone federal privacy law prohibiting disclosure of personally identifiable information from student education records – even to parents – without prior written consent. While a student is attending elementary and secondary school, and is under 18, parents/legal guardians exercise FERPA rights on behalf of the student. These rights transfer directly to the student upon his/her enrollment in a college or university, even if that student enrolls prior to reaching the age of 18. In accordance with FERPA, faculty, staff and administrators may not be able to provide information concerning a student to a parent/guardian without the student’s permission.

• How can I obtain information about my student’s academic status, including grades? »

  Most students come to college having developed a mutually respectful method of communication with their parents/guardian regarding their educational goals, challenges, and progress. During the college years most students have periodic discussions with their parents/guardian about their academic status, possibly including their grades.

  Students choose who may have access to what parts of their educational record. Ultimately students choose whether, and to whom, to disclose such information and the University will honor the students’ choices on this matter.

• I am paying for my student’s tuition and/or signed for a loan for them. Does this give me access to their record? »

  No, it does not. Students choose who may have access to what parts of their educational record, including financial information such as statements or bills.

• How does a student give access to their information to a parent/guardian? »

  Students will find the FERPA Authorization Form in PirateNet, within the Academics tab in a channel called 'FERPA.' For each individual to whom a student would like to give FERPA Authorization, the following information must be provided: Full Name, Relationship to the student, Scope of Access, and PIN (4-digit number). The parent/guardian will be required to provide this PIN when calling regarding the student's record; this FERPA Authorization does not grant online access.

• My student gave me access to their records. Will you mail me a copy of their grades or transcript? »

  No. Students have access to their grades through PirateNet. They may request a transcript at any time to be sent to the individual or institution they choose. Transcript requests must be from the student and done through PirateNet or this website.

• Does Seton Hall notify me if my student is placed on academic probation or subject to academic suspension? »

  No. Written communication about academic standing is sent directly to the student.

• I have a family emergency and need to reach my student. Will Seton Hall tell me where they are or share their class schedule? »

  No. A student’s class schedule is not shared with anyone without the student’s permission.

  In the event of an emergency, you may call Public Safety and Security at (973)-761-9300 or the Dean of Students Office (973) 761-9076. We will contact the student for you and relay any needed information.

• Will I be notified if my student is charged with an offense through the University’s Student Conduct System? »

  No. Student conduct records are treated the same as academic records. Information is not released without the permission of the student. The only exception to this permitted under FERPA is that the University may, and Seton Hall does, notify parents in the event that a student is found responsible for the University's alcohol or drug policy.

• Will I be notified if my student seeks counseling on campus or treatment at Health Services? »

  No. In addition to FERPA, students’ medical (including mental health) records are governed by state law, preventing their release without explicit permission of the student. Permission to a parent for FERPA educational records does not extend to medical records. A separate release must be signed by the student with the treating provider.

• Will I be notified if my student is injured on campus? »

  If the injury is of a severe or life-threatening nature, a parent will be notified by either the hospital or the College or both. If the injury is not of a severe nature, the student is responsible for notifying their parent/guardian.

• Where can I find more information about the law? »

  FERPA is overseen by the Department of Education. This website provides detailed information.