According to our campus policies, and in accord with Federal and State law, parents of students at SUNY Cortland do not have automatic access to student records. Once a student reaches 18 years of age or attends a post-secondary institution, he or she becomes an "eligible student" under Federal law, and all access rights formerly given to parents under FERPA transfer to the student. Information may only be shared with parents with the student’s consent, in a health or safety emergency, or pursuant to another FERPA exception as identified by law.
According to FERPA, students are viewed as responsible adults who legally decide who can have lawful access to their student records. Additionally, Universities and Colleges are strictly regulated in the sharing of student information, and cannot provide protected information about students to any party, including parents, without explicit consent from the student or pursuant to a FERPA exception.
Consent must be granted to SUNY Cortland in writing if a student wishes to provide access to student academic information to a particular party (e.g. parent, legal guardian).
The Registrar's policy does not exclude parents who may be financing a student’s education. Regardless of a student’s tax or financial status, the policy does not provide parents an automatic right of access to student information, except where permitted by a FERPA exception/requirement.
Questions about access to information related to student financial records should be directed to SUNY Cortland’s Student Accounts or Financial Aid offices.
Because we are limited in what we can share with parents and other parties - even with consent - speaking directly with your adult student about their success is always advisable.
For additional information about FERPA, state law and campus policy, please view these online resources:
Registrar's Office
Miller Building Room 203
Phone: 607-753-4702
Fax: 607-753-2959
Monday-Friday
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Office opens at 10 a.m. on Thursdays to accommodate common meetings.