Under FERPA, students have the right to inspect, review and amend their personal educational records. Students may submit a written request to view and amend their records. This page details procedures faculty, advisors, and staff must follow upon receiving a request from a student to view their records.
Basics of Viewing a Record
Students may request to inspect their educational records through a written request.
If the records are not maintained by the school official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
If the correct official is unknown, contact the Office of the University Registrar.
Procedures for Viewing a Record
What Should You Do?
The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the school official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
If the correct official is unknown, contact the Office of the University Registrar.
Deadline to Respond
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln must respond to the request within 45 days from the date a request for access is received.
What Are Considered Educational Records?
Educational records are pieces of information relating to students and maintained by the institution or it's agent. This information is not permitted to be released to the general public. Educational records can be:
- Handwritten Notes
- Computer Files/Generated Information
- Printed Information
- Video Or Audio
- Microfilm Or Microfiche
- Photos
- Any information maintained about the student
Information kept by and only seen by staff is not considered an educational record.
What Are Not Considered Educational Records?
The following records are excluded from the definition of educational records:
- "Sole possession" records made by faculty and staff for their own use as reference or memory aids and not shared with others
- Personal observations
- University law enforcement records
- Medical and mental health records used only for the treatment of the student
- Alumni records
- Peer graded papers and exams prior to the grade being recorded in the instructor's grade book
- Financial information submitted by parents
- Confidential letters and recommendations placed in their files prior to January 1, 1975
- Confidential letters and recommendations placed in their files after January 1, 1975, if:
- The student has waived the right to inspect and review those records; and
- The records are related to the student’s admission to an educational institution or program, application for employment, or receipt of an honor
Can the Student Request a Copy?
Students may request a copy; a fee may be applicable.
However, the university is not required to provide a copy except in circumstances where not providing a copy prohibits the student from being able to review the records (such as great distance).
Contact the Office of the University Registrar with any questions.