Rights and Policies
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
The University’s policy regarding confidentiality of files adheres to the stipulations of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. See the University's Student Record Privacy Statement page for policy details.
Message to Families
Parent and Family Relations encourages all families to have ongoing communication with their student. Discussions may include grades, interpersonal relationships, research and internships opportunities, and more. Often, families are interested in learning their student's grades. If you have already discussed grades and academic progress or difficulty with your student and you are seeking clarification, please see the Release of Grades section below.
Parent and Family Relations welcomes communication from the parents and families of our students. We provide education, support, and resources to you as you support your student's success.
Release of Grades
The University of Rochester does not release formal grade reports. Students may access their grades by logging in to UR Student. Final grades are posted as they are received and are recorded on the official University transcript.
Students who choose to share their grades with interested third parties (family members, financial supporters, employers, etc.) may do so by printing their grades from UR student (generally considered unofficial) or by requesting an official University of Rochester transcript.
Judicial Action or Improper Conduct
The University does not routinely inform families about student disciplinary action. Exceptions to this are if:
- There is a perceived significant risk to a student or to others
- A change of status has been put in effect
- A first year student has a change of residence for disciplinary reasons
Students may grant access to their disciplinary files by signing a release. This is a standard option for all students involved in disciplinary action.
The University of Rochester complies fully with the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. 1232g. FERPA requires, with certain limited exceptions, that the student's consent must be obtained before disclosing any personally identifiable information in the student's education records. One such exception is disclosure [of grades] to parents of dependent students.
Health and Counseling
The relationship between the University Health Service providers and their patients is confidential. Notification of others, including parents, friends, and University faculty and administrators is considered the student's responsibility, unless the situation is serious and the student is unable to assume responsibility for informing others. Parental notification and consent will be obtained for students under age 18, as required by law. Visit the University Health Service website for more information.
All contact with the University Counseling Center (UCC) therapists is confidential. The fact that a student is using UCC will not be disclosed to any University official or faculty member, or to family, friends, or roommates, without permission of the student, except in very specific circumstances. Those circumstances are limited to instances when a student’s life or that of another person is in danger. Visit the UCC website for more information.
These policies are part of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Regulations (HIPAA). This federal law regulates how hospitals and physicians can report information about their patients. It has significant impact on our ability to communicate information about students receiving health care while in college.
The University's aim is to be as helpful and responsive to students and their families as the law will allow. We have therefore encouraged University personnel (coaches, area directors, deans etc.) to make every effort to communicate with or to accompany students in the emergency department to provide the extra support and care often needed when students are away from home.
Because we cannot guarantee being able to inform families when a student's health and safety is affected, it is our policy actively to encourage the student to contact their family and friends directly and immediately.