• The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law which protects the privacy of educational student records. See University Rule 3359-11-08 for The University of Akron policy regarding student records.

• In short, under FERPA, higher education institutions are limited in the information they can reveal about students. FERPA also grants students certain rights, including the right to keep their educational records private.

• Questions regarding FERPA should be directed towards the UA FERPA Coordinator, Debra Hayes, University Registrar. Ms. Hayes may be reached at 330-972-7210.

FERPA FAQs

• Q: Where can I find detailed information regarding the law?
• A: Click here to view The University of Akron General Counsel's information on student privacy.

• Q: Why can't I get my son/daughter's grades/schedule? I'm the one paying the bills!
• A: FERPA does not permit The University of Akron to release non-directory information without the signed consent of the student. If students wish to share their information with a third party, a consent form must be filed. Click here to download a consent form.

• Q: How can I pay my child's tuition if you can't even tell me how much they owe?
• A: Students can authorize third-party access to their payment account online through ZipLine. Your student would need to log-on to ZipLine, click on the "Finances" link, select "Make a Payment", and then "Authorize Third Party Access". Your student can create a password at this site to allow you to access their bill and pay online.