Privacy Law (FERPA)

Who can request access . . .

Under FERPA, prior written consent must be obtained before a student's education record may be disclosed to a third party, unless they are exempted from this provision. Information will be released without your prior written consent to the following groups or individuals:

• Western Michigan University faculty and staff with legitimate educational need to know
• Representatives of agencies or organizations from which you have received financial aid, including banks or other lending agencies from which you have guaranteed student loans
• Individuals or groups specifically exempted from the prior consent requirement
• Federal and state officials, organizations conducting studies on behalf of Western Michigan University and accrediting organizations

Instances in which prior written consent is not required:

• Requests in connection with an emergency, if such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other person
• Requests in accordance with a lawful subpoena or court order
• Requests for directory information, if not restricted by the student