Stay Informed

Rights and Policies

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

The University of Rochester complies fully with the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. 1232g. Under FERPA students have, with certain limited exceptions, the right to inspect and review their educational records and to request the amendment of their records to ensure that they are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy or other rights. Requests to inspect or review records should be addressed to the registrar, or to the appropriate administrator responsible for the record and will be honored within 45 days. Any student questioning the accuracy of any record may state his or her objection in writing to the University administrator responsible for the record, who will notify the student of his or her decision within 45 days of receiving the objection. A student dissatisfied with the administrator’s decision may request a hearing pursuant to federal regulations at 34 C.F.R. Part 99. Students concerned with the University’s compliance with FERPA have the right to file complaints with the U.S. Department of Education’s Family Compliance Office.

FERPA further requires, again 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 to parents of dependent students. Another exception is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests, on a “need-to-know” basis, as determined by the administrator responsible for the file. A “school official” includes anyone employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); retired/emeritus faculty or staff; any person or company acting on behalf of the University (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); any member of the Board of Trustees or other governance/advisory body; and any student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. The University will also furnish information from education records to other agencies or institutions that have requested the information, and in which the student seeks or intends to enroll or is already enrolled, so long as the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer. Other exceptions are described in the FERPA statute at 20 U.S.C. 1232g and regulations at 34 C.F.R. Part 99.

The University considers the following to be directory information: name, campus address, e-mail address, home address, telephone number, date and place of birth, academic fields of study, current enrollment (full or part time), dates of attendance, photographs, participation in recognized activities and sports, degrees and awards, weight and height of athletic team members, previous educational agencies or institutions attended, and other similar information. The University may publicize or respond to requests for such information at its discretion. However, the use of the records for commercial or political purposes is prohibited unless approved by the appropriate dean.

Currently enrolled students may request that directory information be withheld from disclosure by making a request, in writing, to the appropriate registrar. The University assumes that failure on the part of the student to specifically request the withholding of any directory information indicates approval of disclosure.

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 college student's success. 

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.

The College 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.

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 University Health Service for more information.

All contact with the University Counseling Center 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 University Counseling Center 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 College's aim is to be as helpful and responsive to students and their families as the law will allow. We have therefore encouraged College 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 his or her family and friends directly and immediately.