The previous paper FERPA Release form that students took to the Registrar’s Office has been replaced with a new online process for added security. The previous FERPA Service Indicator is replaced by a process utilizing myTCU and a Personal Identification Number (PIN). The PIN is assigned when the student provides access to another person and must be provided prior to a faculty or staff member discussing a student’s academic and/or financial information with the student’s designee.
How to Access the Online Process
- Log in to your MyTCU portal.
- From the upper right-hand corner select the purple compass (menu).
- Select Campus Community > TCU Campus Community > Authorized User Access > Inquire.
- Click on Authorized User Access.
- Enter the student’s ID number and click “Search.”
- After entering the student ID number, you will see a summary of the various permissions granted, along with an audit trail of any changes they have made to that access. A green check mark indicates the student has granted the person access to discuss the student’s personal information in that area. A red X means they do not have permission.
How to Share a Student’s Information
- When speaking to someone other than the student, in person or on the phone, ask them to provide the PIN. This must be provided prior to sharing any information.
- If the question comes via email, you may compare the email address to the one tied to the PIN. If the emails are the same, you may respond. The PIN is not required in this case.
Always follow FERPA Regulations, and use your discretion in determining the best interest of the student when discussing any personal information with a third party. Even if, per FERPA rules, the student has granted permission to release their information to an “authorized user,” that does require doing so when requested by that user. In other words, this means you may release that information to the authorized user if you determine it is in the best interest of the student to do so.
Click here to learn more about Access for Others: https://it.tcu.edu/grantaccess.