Advanced Search

Can a school require me to provide my/my child’s Social Security number?

No. While a school may ask for your/your child’s Social Security number during enrollment, it must let you know that it’s voluntary and you/your child will still be able to enroll and attend the school.

Q&A

Can I get copies of my letters of recommendation that were sent to a college?

It depends. You’re allowed to request and get copies of your letters of recommendation unless you’ve signed a waiver giving away your right to access them (you can still ask for the names of the references).

Q&A

Does my husband/wife have the right to access my education records?

No, they don’t (unless you’ve provided written consent).

Q&A

Will I be notified if a school has experienced a data breach exposing my/my child’s information?

It depends on your state’s data breach notification law.

Q&A

Do my parents have the right to access my college records?

Generally, no. However, a school can disclose information from your records to your parents if

Q&A

Can my school refuse to give me my transcript if I owe fees?

Yes, they can. Read More

Advocacy

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Proposed Rulemaking: Comments to the Department of Education

Comments of the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse

Department of Education

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

RIN 1880-AA86

Submitted May 23, 2011

I. Background

Privacy Basics

Social Security Number Basics

A Social Security number (SSN) is a nine digit identification number that has become a universal identifier for both the government and the private sector in the U.S.