The Office of the University Registrar is responsible for student academic records and related processes, including registration, academic transcripts, confidentiality of student records, grade reporting, graduation, diplomas, enrollment verification, and degree audits. The Registrar’s goal is to provide students with accurate and complete information as quickly as possible.
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 with respect to student education records kept by institutions.
Penn State is committed to maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of the student’s Social Security number. The primary student identification number used to conduct University business is the nine-digit Penn State ID number (known as PSU ID).
Student Rights Under FERPA
Under FERPA, institutions may 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 (e.g., name, address, phone number, major) unless the student has blocked disclosure of such information. (See a complete list of directory 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 and Family 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 or guardian to the student. This means that you may not obtain your student’s education records (including end-of-semester grades) without the written consent of your student.
Parents may, with the student’s permission, access their student’s grades and other portions of their student’s education record online 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.
Withhold Directory Information
Under FERPA, an institution is permitted to release directory information without written consent from the student. (See a complete list of directory information.)
However, a student has the right to prevent the release of this information. Withholding directory information means:
- The student’s name/address is excluded from the online directory.
- 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) over the telephone or via email.
If a student has access to LionPATH, they can log into LionPATH and make a request to withhold directory information. If the student doesn’t have access to LionPATH, they must fill out, print, and sign the Request to Withhold Directory Information form. The student should then present or mail the form, along with a copy of their photo identification, to any campus Registrar’s office.
Release Directory Information
If a student later wishes to remove the directory hold, they can log into LionPATH and make a request to release the hold on their directory information. If the student doesn’t have access to LionPATH, they must fill out, print, and sign the Request to Remove the Action of Withholding Directory Information form. The student should then present or mail the form, along with a copy of their photo identification, to any campus Registrar’s office.
Enrollment Verification
Insurance companies, financial lenders or employers may require proof that a student was or is currently enrolled at Penn State. Enrollment verification provides proof of enrollment, graduation, student status, and other related information.
Students can request an enrollment verification through the Academic Records tab in LionPATH Self Service. The student may immediately download an unofficial copy for personal use or to submit to a third party. The student may also 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 function is also available to families through LionPATH Self Service if their student has granted them Delegated Access.
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 of leaving Penn State before they complete the process. If applicable, there can be 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. See information about the proper processes for leaving the University.