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What is FERPA?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (34 C.F.R. Part 99—commonly known as FERPA), is the federal law that governs the release of and access to student education records. FERPA affords students certain rights with respect to their education records and dictates what UC faculty and staff may and may not share with third parties on a student's behalf. FERPA requires institutions accepting federal monies to protect the privacy of student information. In addition, the law affords students the right to review their education records, to request correction of inaccurate records, and to limit information disclosure from those records. An institution’s failure to comply with FERPA may result in the Department of Education withdrawal of federal funds. Per federal law, students obtain FERPA rights at age 18 or once the student attends a post-secondary institution, regardless of age.

As a family member, how can I obtain access to my student's records?

Your student can grant permission for you to receive specific records through written and signed consent. Additionally, UC utilizes a Delegated Access process for students to grant access to specific types of information within the Catalyst student portal. As a parent or family member, you'll receive your own username and password. 

What types of information are part of Delegated Access?

Your student may decide to grant access for specific individuals to view the following: financial aid awards; pending financial aid; 1098T; account activity; account summary; student bill; charges due/make a payment; payment history; grades; account holds; schedule; to do list.

How does my student give me Delegated Access?

1. Your student should initiate the process by logging into Catalyst.
2. They will select the Quick Links & Helpful Contacts tile and choose Give Parent/Guest Access.
3. Next, they will select Delegate Access to a New Contact.
4. Finally, they will review and accept the Terms & Conditions, then enter your information and select what services you will be able to access. Your student can choose some or all of the options listed above, and these services can be edited, deleted, or revoked at any time.

As a family member, how do I use my Delegated Access?

You must complete these steps if you wish to have your own Catalyst account for access to your student's information. Once the student steps have been completed, you are granted FERPA rights to speak with OneStop staff regarding your student's account.

1. Check your email for a communication from donotreply@uc.edu.
2. If you are new to UC, choose the first link (1A) under "Sign-in Instructions" to create an identity in Catalyst. Once you have submitted your information, you will receive your login credentials in 1-2 business days.
3. If you already have UC login credentials, select the second link (1B) and log into Catalyst. There is no need to create an identity.
4. Once you receive your credentials, return to your original delegated access email and select the second link (1B) to log in.
5. Complete the Terms and Conditions page using the security key from your original email and the email address associated with your account. Enter the email address exactly as it appears in the original delegated access communication.

Orientation Questions?? Comment on this post or email families@uc.edu for more information!