FERPA Overview for Students

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended, governs the access and privacy of student educational records. At the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, FERPA rights enable students to control the disclosure of their information under certain conditions. These rights include:

  • Consent Required: The university may disclose educational records or personally identifiable information only with the student’s written consent, except under specific exceptions permitted by FERPA.
  • Directory Information: Information deemed as “directory information” may be released unless the student has placed a restriction on such disclosure.
  • Exceptions for Disclosure: Certain exceptions under FERPA allow the university to disclose educational records without student consent as outlined in FERPA 34 §99.31.

Upon enrollment, FERPA rights belong to the student. Students are encouraged to understand their rights and responsibilities under FERPA, as outlined on this page.

Students Rights Under FERPA

FERPA affords students the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa the following specific rights:

Right to inspect and review their educational records within 45 days after the day the University receives a request for access. Students should submit a written request to the Office of the Registrar, dean, or other appropriate official, which specifies the educational record(s) they wish to inspect and review.

Right to seek to amend their educational records that they believe are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise a violation of their privacy rights under FERPA. If the University decides not to amend the educational record(s) as requested, it will notify the student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the requested amendment.

Right to control disclosure of certain portions of their educational records before the university discloses personal identifiable information from the students’ educational records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

Right to file a complaint with the US Department of Education concerning an alleged failure by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

Withholding of Directory Information

In accordance with FERPA, the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa designates the following information as directory information, which may be made public unless the student restricts such disclosure:

  • Student’s name
  • Major field of study
  • Class level (e.g., freshman, sophomore)
  • Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
  • Weight and height of members of athletic teams
  • Dates of attendance
  • Previous institutions attended
  • Enrollment status (full/part-time)
  • Degrees and awards received (including anticipated graduation dates)

To withhold disclosure, students must complete the Request to Withhold Directory Information (UH Login Required) form. Students may choose to opt-out of directory information at any time.

Consequences of Restricting Directory Information
Students should understand that restricting the release of their directory information has other consequences. For instance, a FERPA restriction makes it difficult or impossible for potential employers to verify enrollment or degree(s) earned from the University. It will also impact the ability to have your name printed in the commencement program.

Disclosure of Non-Directory Information
Non-directory information is considered confidential and will not be released without explicit consent from the student, except under exceptions provided under FERPA, including, but not limited to, health and safety emergencies, and for the fulfillment of official educational duties by school officials.

Written Consent to Release Educational Records

  • Current Students: Currently enrolled students may authorize the release of specific educational records by completing the Consent to Release form to identify which records can be released, to whom they can be released, and the purpose/justification for the release.
  • Former Students: Alumni or students no longer enrolled can email us at uhm.registrar@hawaii.edu for assistance.

It is important to note that the “Consent to Release” is not a blanket authorization to release all academic records.

Annual Notification

The University notifies students of their rights under FERPA by publishing this information on the Office of the Registrar website, University Catalog, and by direct communication to enrolled students.

More Resources on FERPA

If you have questions regarding FERPA, please contact us at uhm.registrar@hawaii.edu.