Home /

Student Education Records

Overview

Student education records contain information directly related to a student and are maintained by UC Santa Cruz. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) governs release of, and access to, student education records. Student education records are classified at data protection level P3.

Student Education Records and Special Services

Some student records may contain information needed to provide services or plan accommodations, but for which the student has an expectation of privacy. Examples include:

  • Transcripts and grades
  • Class schedule
  • Disciplinary records
  • Advising records
  • Athletics or department recruiting information
  • Financial aid and loan information
  • Tuition bills

Access to Student Education Records

In most cases, students must give written consent to UC Santa Cruz for the university to share education records with anyone besides the student. Individuals or organizations that do not require student consent to share records include:

  • School officials with legitimate educational interest. 
  • Schools to which a student is transferring. 
  • Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes. 
  • Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid,
  • Organizations conducting certain studies for the school. 
  • Accrediting organizations.
  • Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies. 
  • State and local authorities pursuant to specific state law.

Directory Information

Directory information is information contained in a student record that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. Directory information about a student is not regulated by FERPA and can be released by the university without the student's permission. However, students can request that their directory information be marked and treated as confidential from the UC Santa Cruz Office of the Registrar. 

Review the UCSC Policy on Privacy of Student Records: A Quick Reference for examples of UCSC directory information.

Additional Resources