Academics
Accessing Information
The Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)—also known as the Buckley Amendment—protects the privacy of educational records. FERPA considers college students to be independent and therefore information from their student records (e.g., grades or enrollment status) may not be released to third parties. This includes parents unless parents certify that the student is dependent for tax purposes or if the student requests that such information be released to a third party.
With these restrictions in mind, the College will release the following information to parents or guardians who claim their students as dependents for tax purposes. The College may notify these parents or guardians when there is a change in a student’s status (e.g., being placed on academic probation or removed from probation) or if there is a change in enrollment as a consequence of a student being barred for failure to meet the terms of academic probation or for disciplinary reasons.
While FERPA generally constrains the release of student information, it allows for the release of information to school officials for legitimate educational purposes. In addition, the College may notify parents if the College is aware of a health or safety concern that poses a significant danger to the student or to others.
- How do I access FERPA-protected information?
In order to be notified of a student’s grades or changes in status and enrollment, parents must certify their student’s tax dependent status on the top half of the FERPA form (PDF). Students who are not tax dependent but want parents to be sent grades complete the bottom half of the FERPA form (PDF). The FERPA form is sent to parents in the summer prior to the student’s matriculation. Also available on the College website in a pdf format. Students may notify the University of changes in their tax dependency status at any point by completing the appropriate form in the Office of the Dean of Students.
- How will the College communicate with me regarding my student?
Communication between the College and parents is complicated because, for the most part, the College is required to keep student information confidential. The College considers students to be responsible young adults. Conversations between advisers and students are confidential and cannot be shared with parents without students’ permission. Advisers routinely let students know when a parent has contacted them. Parents who want to know how their student is doing are encouraged to ask their son or daughter directly.
- Who should my student contact to update parent contact information?
Your student can update your contact information at any time through the student online portal, cMore.
- Will a copy of my son’s or daughter’s grades be mailed to my home? How do I obtain a copy of my student’s grades?
The University of Chicago does not automatically mail paper copies of students’ grades to their home addresses (see the "How do I access FERPA-protected information?" question above). When a signed FERPA form (PDF) is on file, parents will be mailed grade reports for each quarter following the second week of the subsequent quarter. Students may access their grades online.
- How can I obtain a letter verifying my student’s enrollment at the University for insurance purposes?
Students may request enrollment certification reports though the student online portal, cMore.
- Where can my student get a transcript?
Most students request transcripts through the student online portal, cMore. Students may also make transcript requests directly to the Registrar’s Office in person or via postal mail. Transcripts can be delivered via email or postal mail, or can be picked up at the Registrar’s Office.
