Education records are any records directly related to a student that are maintained by an educational institution or a party acting on its behalf. These records include documents such as grades, transcripts, disciplinary files, attendance records, test scores, and financial aid information. Education records are distinguished from other institutional records by their direct connection to an individual student's educational experience and academic progress.
Education Records
Regulatory Definitions
- FERPA (20 U.S.C. § 1232g(a)(4)(A)): Education records are defined as records, files, documents, and other materials which contain information directly related to a student and are maintained by an educational agency or institution or by a person acting for such agency or institution. This includes records maintained in any medium, including handwriting, print, computer media, video or audio tape, microfilm and microfiche, and other means. FERPA explicitly excludes: (1) records of instructional, supervisory, and administrative personnel that are kept in the sole possession of the maker and are not accessible or revealed to any other person except a temporary substitute; (2) law enforcement unit records created and maintained by a law enforcement unit of an educational agency or institution solely for law enforcement purposes; and (3) records relating to an individual who is not currently or has never been a student at an institution (34 CFR § 99.3).