The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.

FERPA prohibits access to student records by any third party, including parents and spouses, with certain limited exceptions, unless the student gives written authorization to do so.

In order to discuss a student's financial aid with a third party, a student must complete a FERPA release form known as the SUNY Poly Student Consent to Release Educational and Financial Records Form (pdf) and submit it to the Financial Aid Office. Without the written authorization of the student, the Financial Aid Office is unable to discuss a student’s financial aid with any individual.  

Please note that a FERPA release will remain in effect for one academic year only (summer/fall/spring) unless revoked, in writing, by the student.  In the event a student wishes to continue to authorize a third party to have access to their information, a new FERPA form must be completed each academic year.

Additional information on SUNY Poly’s FERPA policy is available in our SUNY Poly Student Handbook (pdf).