Student Consent to Release Educational Records
The Student Consent to Release Educational Records (commonly referred to as the “FERPA release”) is a document students can complete in-person in the Office of the Registrar. This form gives authorization for a person or persons designated by the student to:
- Request the student’s official transcript with the student’s permission.
- Attend meetings with deans, professors, or advisors if the student wishes for them to attend.
- Discuss the student’s academic information over the phone. (Please note, this does not include access to grade or GPA information.)
The FERPA release does not give the authorized person(s):
- Automated/online access to student’s grades or instructors’ gradebooks (in progress or final).
- Free or guaranteed transcripts. The authorized person(s) must order and pay for official transcripts. The student has the right to deny release of the transcript even if a FERPA release is on file.
- Access to financial information. For information on becoming an authorized payer on a student’s account, please visit the Bursar’s Website.
- Access to medical information.
- Ability to request grades or GPA information from campus staff over the phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the FERPA release and how do I complete it?
The FERPA release is only available in the Office of the Registrar in-person. If a student wishes to complete the form, they will need to stop by the office in-person with their I-Card or a government-issued photo ID in order to complete it. We will not accept any FERPA release created by a third-party or any release that was completed outside our office.
What if I’m not on campus?
If you are not on campus for the semester and wish to complete a FERPA release, please email registrar@illinois.edu from your Illinois.edu email account explaining your situation. Our office will work with you to complete the FERPA release.
I’m a new student. When can I complete a FERPA release?
New students may complete a FERPA release on or after the first day of their first semester of attendance.
What does the FERPA release give permission for exactly?
Below is the text listed on the form that the student signs:
By presenting a signed and dated copy of this consent to the Registrar’s Office at the University of Illinois, I consent to the release by the University of Illinois of my education records to the individual(s) or agency named above. I further authorize that the University of Illinois may discuss the information contained in my records with the authorized recipient(s). This consent applies to education records that may otherwise be protected under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, 20 U.S.C. 1232g, also known as FERPA or the Buckley Amendment. This consent does not authorize the recipient to make decisions or process transactions on my behalf. This authorization will remain in effect until I rescind it in writing.
Is the FERPA release required?
No, the FERPA release is a completely optional form. Students may complete the form if they wish to give permission to a person or persons to access certain academic information or to attend meetings with deans, professors, or advisors.
Does the parent or other authorized person need to be present?
No, the authorized person should not be present when the student signs the form. If the authorized person accompanies the student, they will be asked to wait in our lobby while the student reviews the form and determines whether they wish to sign it.
How long is a FERPA release in effect? Can I rescind a FERPA release?
Once signed, a FERPA release remains in effect until the student rescinds the authorization in writing.
A student has signed a FERPA release giving me access. How do I request a transcript?
You may submit a transcript request by mail or fax using our paper order form. On the Student Signature line, please sign your own name and include the note “FERPA release on file” next to it. Please note, submitting this form does not guarantee that you will receive the student’s transcript. The student may choose to deny your request or rescind FERPA access at any time.
Who do I contact with further questions?
If you have further questions regarding the FERPA release, please contact the Transcript Unit at 217-333-9778 or transcripts@illinois.edu.