The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law designed to protect the privacy of education records, and establish several rights for eligible students.
Under FERPA, students have the right to:
Inspect and review their education records
- Most student records can be access through UCSB web portals: GOLD, myBARC, My Aid Status, GauchoSpace, and Shoreline.
- Records not available through portals can be requested by contacting the office serving as custodian of record; offices can be identified by contacting the Office of the Registrar.
Correct inaccurate
or misleading records
- A “Request for Clarification or Correction of Records” form can be submitted to the Office of the Registrar.
Keep their records private
- A "Request to Restrict / Release Student Data" form can be submitted to the Office of the Registrar.
File complaints alleging failures to comply with FERPA
- Complaints can be filed with the Office of the Vice Chancellor Student Affairs, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93016-2036.
- Alternatively, complaints can be filed with the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C 20203.
Who is an "eligible student"?
- A student who is 18 years of age, OR
- Is attending / has attended an institution of postsecondary education
Therefore, all UCSB students are considered eligible students.
Do parents have access to student records?
As all UCSB students are considered eligible students, records may not be disclosed, even to parents, under FERPA and UC Policy (section 130.721).
What is "directory information"?
Directory information is information contained in a student record that generally would not be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed.
- Student name
- Email address
- Local telephone listing
- Date of birth
(month and day only)
- Major field of study
- Class Level
- Degrees and honors awarded
- Dates of attendance
- Last school attended
- Number of course units enrolled
- Participation in officially recognized organizations
- Name, weight, and height of participants in intercollegiate athletic teams
All other student record information is considered "confidential."
How will my student information be shared?
Directory information:
May be released to third parties without student's prior written consent, at the discretion of UCSB
Confidential information may be released:
1.
To third parties with student’s written consent, specifying:
- The records to be released
- Purpose of the disclosure
- The party or parties to whom the disclosure may be made
Consent must be signed and dated by the student.
Consent only applies to the department with which it was filed; separate consents must be filed for each disclosure (UCSB does not recognize 'blanket' or 'standing' consents).
2.
If necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons.
3.
To university employees with a legitimate educational interest, such as to a faculty or staff member:
- acting in the student's educational interests, and
- the information is needed in the course of performing advisory, instructional, supervisory, or administrative duties for the university.
The Registrar is authorized to determine when information may be released to serve the best educational interests of a student.
Additional Resources
If you have any questions about information on this page, please email Registration@sa.ucsb.edu.