A written document authorizing an educational agency or institution to disclose a student’s protected educational records to a specified third party, that would otherwise be prohibited under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). For instance, a student applying for an internship might execute such a document allowing the institution to share academic transcripts with the potential employer.
This process is pivotal in many aspects of a student’s academic and professional journey. It streamlines processes such as scholarship applications, program admissions, and employment verification by enabling the efficient transfer of essential educational data. The legal basis for the process stems from the recognition that students should have control over their educational information while also facilitating legitimate third-party access when the student deems it necessary and beneficial. Historically, the increasing need for seamless data exchange in a technologically advanced society has amplified its importance.
