- FERPA 101: Why we ask to speak with your student
While FERPA limits what we can share directly, there are still ways to stay connected… As a family member of a UGA student, you’re likely juggling a lot between supporting your student’s transition and helping manage costs along the way. As you help your student prepare for what lies ahead, you will undoubtedly have lots of questions, and we’re here to help. But there’s one question we get a lot that’s a little trickier to answer:
“Why can’t you tell me about my student’s housing assignment, room condition or why they got a charge on their account?”
The short answer: FERPA.
Once your student enrolls at UGA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives them control over their education records, which includes housing information. Even if you are financially supporting your student, the law considers these records private and belonging to them. This shift in information privacy may be challenging for families, but it is an opportunity to nurture your student through the journey of increased responsibility.
What Does FERPA Cover?
FERPA protects a wide range of student information, including:
Housing assignments and room details
Billing and account charges
Financial aid information
Conduct or behavioral records
Because of this, University Housing staff are legally required to communicate directly with your student unless they’ve given explicit permission for us to speak with you.
How You Can Stay Informed
While FERPA limits what we can share directly, there are still ways to stay connected and informed:
Make a plan with your student about how they’ll keep you updated on key housing milestones, such as:
Signing a housing contract
Break periods
Room changes or contract cancellations
Review our communications archive on the University Housing website, which includes housing emails, timelines and reminders sent directly to students.
What We Can Do
We’re always happy to:
Answer general housing questions
Explain processes and timelines
Point you to helpful resources
We will also be happy to speak with you and provide specifics if your student is present in the conversation.
Final Thoughts
Starting college is a major milestone not just for students, but for families too. We recognize the important role you play and truly appreciate your support of your student’s journey.
While FERPA may feel like a hurdle at times, it’s designed to empower students as they take on new responsibilities. With open communication between you and your student, you can stay connected every step of the way.
For more information about FERPA at UGA, visit: https://reg.uga.edu/general-information/ferpa/
