Your rights under FERPA commence on the first day you begin attending class as an admitted student.
Generally, no, parents may not access educational record information for students enrolled in a postsecondary institution. However, if you are a dependent and your parents fill out the Parental Access to Student Education Records Form, they may access your educational records.
Under FERPA, there are a few exceptions which permit the University to release non-directory information without your prior consent. Those exceptions are listed under “Other Permitted Reasons for Disclosure” on the Release of Information page.
Information that is defined as “directory information” may be released even without student consent and without meeting one of the exceptions UNLESS you have directed the University to withhold that information by submitting a Directory Hold Form. If a Directory Hold is in place, no information may be released, including verification of whether the student is enrolled at OU, until you submit a Directory Hold Release Form.
You can place a directory hold by filling out the Directory Hold Form online. After you submit a Directory Hold Form, the University will not release any form of information about you without your written consent, even after you leave the University. To remove a Directory Hold, just submit the Directory Hold Release Form.
If you have any questions or concerns about FERPA law or OU’s FERPA policies, you may contact the Office of the Registrar or the Office of Legal Counsel.