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Frequently Asked Questions: FERPA
FERPA
What is a Parent Certification of Dependency Form?
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A Parent Certification of Dependency Form gives the University of Texas at Dallas permission to discuss a student's account with his/her parent or legal guardian(s) by certifying that the student is considered their dependent.
This authorization form, once certified, is only good for one (1) calendar year (January through December) and must be renewed annually to remain in effect.
- Why am I not able to get information about my student's account, even though I pay the bills?
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The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) provides privacy protection of a student's academic record and limits the release of such records without the student's consent. FERPA further provides that the University may disclose such records to parents or legal guardians if the student is a dependent as defined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
If your child is your dependent, you must fill out and submit a Parent Certification of Dependency Form to the Office of the Registrar to gain access to their account information. The student must be under the age of 24 and claimed on the parent's most recent federal income tax return. The Parents Certification of Dependency Form must be completed by the parent/legal guardian. If both parents wish to have access, their names must be on the most recent federal income tax return and their signatures must also be on the form.
This authorization form, once certified, is only good for one (1) calendar year (January through December) and must be renewed annually to remain in effect.
- Why can't UT Dallas talk to my parents about my account?
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The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 provides privacy protection of a student's academic record and limits the release of such records without the student's consent.
A parent or guardian does not have access to your billing and/or education records without your written consent, unless you were claimed as a dependent on your parent or guardian's most recent tax return and are under the age of 24.
To authorize a person for a one time access to your records, you must file out a Third Party Release of Information form. The original form must be signed by the student and be accompanied by a photo copy of their signed picture ID. This authorization is valid one time for a single release of information.
If you wish for your parent or legal guardian(s) to have access to your records for a longer period of time, they must complete and submit a Parent Certification of Dependency Form to the Office of the Registrar to gain access to your account information. The student must be under the age of 24 and claimed on the parent's most recent federal income tax return. The Parents Certification of Dependency Form must be completed by the parent/legal guardian. If both parents wish to have access, their names must be on the most recent federal income tax return and their signatures must also be on the form.
This authorization form, once certified, is only good for one (1) calendar year (January through December) and must be renewed annually to remain in effect.
To find out more about FERPA, please visit http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html
- When does the Bursar Office need my social security number?
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A social security number is required on certain legal forms such as the 1098T, W-9, short term loans, etc. For more information regarding the use of social security numbers, please refer to Policy D1-153.0, Social Security Number Confidentiality at: http://www.utdallas.edu/utdgeneral/business/admin_manual/pdf/D1153.pdf
- Name
- Local Address
- Permanent Address
- Addresses for Mail Lists
- Telephone Number
- Sex
- Race
- Nationality
- Date of Birth
- Place of Birth
- Parents' Name
- Parents' Address
- Class Schedule
- Credit Hours from Other Schools
- Dates of Attendance
- Major
- Classification
- Degrees Awarded
- Honors
- Awards
- Class Standing
- Previous Institution Attended
- Photograph
- Weight/Height of Athlete
- Sports Participation
- Parking Permit Information
- Enrollment Status
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What is "Directory Information"?
Consistent with FERPA guidelines, The University of Texas at Dallas has designated the following items as Directory Information:
Can I, the student, control the release of Directory Information?
Yes, you can restrict the release of Directory Information by completing a form (available in the Registrar's Office). You should carefully consider imposing a restriction on the Directory Information.
How does FERPA impact paying tuition and fees, obtaining student account information or receiving refund checks?
When you conduct business with the Bursar's Office you should be prepared to present photo identification. UT Dallas requires a written consent for release of billing information. The written consent must be signed by you and include a photo copy of your signed picture ID.
Do my parents or other family members have access to my billing and/or education records?
A parent or guardian does not have access to your billing and/or education records without your written consent, unless you are under the age of 24 and were claimed as a dependent on your parent or guardian's most recent tax return. To authorize a person access to those records, a form must be filed with the Office of the Registrar.
To authorize a person for a one time access to your records, you must file out a Third Party Release of Information form. The original form must be signed by the student and be accompanied by a photo copy of their signed picture ID. This authorization is valid one time for a single release of information.
If you wish for your parent or legal guardian(s) to have access to your records for a longer period of time, they must complete and submit a Parent Certification of Dependency Form to the Office of the Registrar to gain access to your account information. The student must be under the age of 24 and claimed on the parent's most recent federal income tax return. The Parents Certification of Dependency Form must be completed by the parent/legal guardian. If both parents wish to have access, their names must be on the most recent federal income tax return and their signatures must also be on the form.
This authorization form, once certified, is only good for one (1) calendar year (January through December) and must be renewed annually to remain in effect.
Last Updated: August 7, 2012
