Academic Information Release

FERPA Laws and Policies

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.

Students Must Provide Consent

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). 

• Students must complete the Consent for Access form in the Student Registration and Records Services. 
• Consent forms will be accepted beginning the first week of classes. 
• Students may grant or revoke consent at any time beginning with the first week of class.

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.

Important Additional Information

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.

• SUNY Cortland does not release confidential or sensitive information to third parties over the phone, by fax, or via e-mail. Enrollment or graduation verification forms or requests requested by the student, may be faxed if a secure fax mechanism is provided.
• SUNY Cortland does not provide parents with copies of student grades.  Your student may access them via MyRedDragon or request an official transcript and provide them to you.  
• SUNY Cortland will deny copies of records if the student has administrative holds, has any accrued debts owed to the College, or has outstanding obligations owed to the College or the State University of New York in accord with New York law.
• Court orders, legal requests and subpoenas may be delivered to our office using certified mail or in person. Faxed requests and email requests generally do not satisfy legal requirements.  Because SUNY Cortland must refer matters to SUNY legal counsel, requests should be made at least 5 business days in advance of a deadline.  Delivery, copying and preparation charges will apply as allowed by state law.

Additional Online Resources

For additional information about FERPA, state law and campus policy, please view these online resources:

• SUNY Cortland FERPA Resources
• New York State Regulations
• U.S. Department of Education