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Partnering Through Privacy: Understanding FERPA

by Betsy Chapman

As we prepare for the upcoming semester, we want to share how university staff and families can best support our new students together.

Our students are protected by a federal law called the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). FERPA dictates that the university cannot disclose educational records without explicit student permission. Your student can grant you access to see their grades, schedules, and financial information directly through their Workday portal.

Beyond legal frameworks, we encourage you to protect your student’s personal privacy online. While parent message boards and group chats are wonderful for building community, oversharing specific room assignments or personal struggles can inadvertently breach your student’s trust. At a smaller university like Wake Forest, details could be linked back to an individual student.

Before posting online, consider these mindful practices:

  • Ask permission: Check with your student before sharing any details about their college experience publicly.

  • Seek confidential resources: If you have a sensitive concern regarding your student’s wellbeing or adjustment, reach out directly to a campus office or an administrator instead of crowdsourcing advice.

Please remember that learning to navigate these new boundaries is a process for both you and your student. We are stepping into this exciting chapter right alongside you, and we are committed to honoring your family’s partnership every step of the way.

Contact

To contact the Office of Family Engagement or Family Communications, please visit our contact page.

For mental health assistance: 336-758-CARE (2273) is a service that ensures someone will always be available (i.e., 24/7 M-F, weekends and university holidays) to provide caring and thoughtful consultation services for Wake Forest students in need of mental health assistance or support. You can also visit we.wfu.edu for resources.