The Office of the University Registrar has responsibility for student academic records and related processes, including registration, academic transcripts, confidentiality of student records, grade reporting, graduation and diplomas, enrollment verification, scheduling of classrooms and final exams, and degree audits. It’s possible that your student, at some point in his or her Penn State experience, will have contact with this office. Our goal is to provide students with accurate and complete information in a quick and efficient manner.

Student Educational Records

The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA, also known as the Buckley Amendment) is the federal law that protects the privacy of student education records and identifies the rights of students with respect to student education records kept by institutions. 

In addition, Penn State is committed to maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of the student’s Social Security number. The Social Security number is requested at the time of application to the University, but is used in a very limited and controlled manner. The primary student identification number used to conduct University business is the Penn State ID number (known as PSU ID).

Student Rights Under FERPA

Under FERPA, institutions must not release education records—except under certain circumstances—without written consent from the student. This regulation does not apply to information that the University has identified as directory information (see below) unless the student has blocked disclosure of such information.

The primary rights of students under FERPA include the rights to:

  • Have some control over the disclosure of information from their education records
  • Inspect and review their education records
  • Request the amendment of inaccurate or otherwise inappropriate education records

Parent Rights Under FERPA

When the student reaches the age of 18 or begins attending a postsecondary institution, regardless of age, FERPA rights transfer from the parent to the student. This means that you may not obtain your student’s education records (including grades) without the written consent of your student.

However, parents may, with the student’s permission, access grades and other portions of their student’s education record on-line through Delegated Access in LionPATH. Parents and guardians do not have access to mid-semester grades. We encourage you to discuss this with your student.

Directory Information

As stated above, the University does not release student record information without prior written consent of the student. The one exception to this is that the University may release “directory information” items without prior student consent. Directory information is defined as that information which would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. Designated directory information at Penn State includes the following:

  • Name
  • Address (local, permanent residence and electronic mail)
  • Telephone number
  • Class level (semester class or level: first-year, sophomore, junior, senior, etc.)
  • Major
  • Student activities
  • Weight/height (athletic teams)
  • Dates of attendance
  • Enrollment status (full-time, part-time, or not enrolled)
  • Date of graduation
  • Degrees and awards received and where received
  • Most recent educational institution attended

Withholding Directory Information

A student has the right to prevent release of their directory information. Withholding directory information means:

  • The student’s name/address will be excluded from the online directory.
  • The student’s name will not appear in the results of Canvas searches.
  • The student’s name will not appear in the commencement program
  • Verification of enrollment, graduation, or degrees awarded will not be provided to third parties, including potential employers.
  • No information about the student will be released to any person (including the student) on the telephone or via email.

Requests to withhold directory information are in effect until removed, in writing, by the student.

Read instructions for 1) requesting the withholding of directory information and 2) stopping the withholding of directory information.

Enrollment Verification

Insurance companies, financial lenders or employers may require proof that a student was or is currently enrolled at Penn State. An academic verification provides proof of enrollment, graduation, student status, and other related information.

Currently, enrolled students may use “Enrollment Verification” under other academics in LionPATH Self Service. The student may print an unofficial copy and mail it to the requesting agency. Or the student may request an official verification, containing the University Registrar’s signature and University seal on security paper, to be mailed to the specified address via first class U.S. mail within three business days.

This same function is also available to families through LionPATH Self Service. However, they must first be granted Delegated Access by their student.

Because of the volume of requests received, the Office of the University Registrar is unable to complete agency-supplied verification forms. Rather, the official University academic verification statement can be attached to the original agency-supplied form. All other parties may contact the National Student Clearinghouse for verification of students’ enrollment and degree information.

Leaving the University

Students should carefully consider all the consequences to leaving Penn State before they complete the process. Students should meet with their academic adviser or registrars office before making a final decision. There are ramifications for financial aid, loan repayments and health insurance. In addition, there are processes that must be followed when a student determines that they are ready to return to the University.